Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has revealed a humorous anecdote about his encounter with Lionel Messi at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup. In a recent interview, Mikel recounted how he jokingly accused Messi of “stealing” the Golden Ball award from him.
The 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup final pitted Nigeria against Argentina, with Messi emerging as the star of the show. The young Argentine scored twice from the penalty spot to lead his team to a 2-1 victory, securing the tournament title. For his exceptional performance, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, while Mikel Obi, who had been instrumental for Nigeria, was recognized with the Silver Ball.
A Light-Hearted Rivalry
In a spirit of friendly banter, Mikel admitted to telling Messi, “You stole the Golden Ball from me. I deserved it, I was better than you.” Messi, known for his humility, responded with a smile, saying, “I have nothing to do with the matter, the committee is the one who chooses.
The exchange, far from being a bitter rivalry, has blossomed into a mutual respect between the two football legends. Their paths crossed again at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Messi greeted Mikel with a warm embrace, referring to him as the “Golden Boy.” Mikel, in turn, acknowledged Messi’s greatness, admitting that the Argentine deserved the recognition he received.
A Defining Moment
The 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup was a pivotal moment for both Mikel and Messi. It marked the emergence of two exceptional talents who would go on to dominate the world of football for years to come. While the competition between them was fierce on the pitch, their off-field relationship has been characterized by mutual respect and admiration.
Mikel’s revelation has added a touch of human interest to the already captivating narrative of their careers. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest of rivals can share a bond of camaraderie and respect.
