Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi has jokingly accused Lionel Messi of Argentina of stealing the Golden Ball Award from him at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Recall that Argentina defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the competition.
However, Mikel, who was awarded the Silver Ball Award, told The Obi One Podcast that he deserved the Golden Ball Award ahead of Messi.
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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.
“At the end of the coronation, I told him, ‘You stole the Golden Ball from me. I deserved it, I was better than you’.
“Messi smiled and said to me, ‘I have nothing to do with the matter, the Committee is the one who chooses.’
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BUT AFTER THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR CAREER, DO YOU ABLE TO WIN ANY LEAST SHOE AWARD LIKE PLASTIC/RUBBER SHOE OR WOODEN SHOE????????
Don’t mind him.
I think what finished Mikel was the defensive midfielder (DM) role Jose Mourihno made him play at Chelsea. Mikel was a number 10 and he shone brightly in that position at 2003 U17 world cup and Lynn Oslo before Chelsea snapped him and made him a DM. So you never can say he might not be better than Messi but certainly not ‘unknown’
He is no longer your hero en? Conditioned to snub your own
Even back then at such a young age, it was obvious that La Pulga was special.
Without Messi, Nigeria would definitely have won that trophy. Messi was the difference. Messi was the threat Nigeria could not handle. Messi was the joker in the pack.
He won the game for the Argies, earning 2 penalty kicks, and stepping up to convert both of them.
The pre Chelsea Mikel was a joy to behold. The way he carried the ball, and orchestrated play from the midfield. The passes and neat dribbles. Very elegant player. That Mikel was the one that was a rival to Messi. The player that Mikel became after joining Chelsea is not fit to lace Messi’s shoes.
The Return of the Saint.
Word on the street is that Saintfiet is likely going to be the new gaffer for the SE.
They are just waiting for the Minister’s approval.
This needs to get done quickly. September is around the corner!
Mikel was right I watched that tournament In 2005, Mikel mistake was Moving to Chelsea Sir Alex Ferguson would have made him realise that potential he showed in the Youth set – up and Lyn Oslo those days!
Maurihno never liked Mikel, it was like he’s set out to destroy his talent. He benched him so many times after making Mikel play as a DM. If Mikel wasn’t a fantastic player his career would have dimmed under Maurihno.
Why are you lying Mikel. Messi never understood or spoke English then. Or was it Spanish you