Mikel Obi claims he was ‘better’ than Lionel Messi at 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has claimed that he was better than Lionel Messi at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

In the final of the tournament held in the Netherlands, Argentina defeated Nigeria 2-1. Lionel Messi’s impressive performance earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, Mikel was awarded the Silver Ball for his outstanding contribution.

During a recent episode of his podcast, “The Obi One Podcast,” Mikel recounted a light-hearted exchange he had with Messi after the tournament.

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“When we lost against Argentina in the U-20 World Cup, Messi won the Golden Ball and I won the Silver Ball,” Mikel said. “At the end of the ceremony, I told him, ‘You stole the Golden Ball from me. I deserved it, I was better than you.'”

Messi, according to Mikel, responded with a smile, saying, “I have nothing to do with the matter; the Committee is the one who chooses.”

Both players went on to achieve illustrious careers. Messi became a legendary figure with FC Barcelona, while Mikel enjoyed a successful stint with Chelsea, winning numerous trophies.

Whereas Mikel Obi has since retired from professional football, Lionel Messi is still active and recently led Argentina to Copa America glory.