Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi following another match-winning display from the Argentina captain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players after contributing a goal and assist to inspire Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round of 16.
The Barcelona legend has enjoyed a remarkable tournament so far, leading the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals and one assist in five appearances as the defending champions continue their bid to retain the World Cup.
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After opening the tournament with a hat-trick against Algeria and following it up with a brace against Austria, Messi also found the net against Jordan and Cape Verde before delivering another decisive performance in Tuesday’s comeback win against Egypt.
Speaking after Argentina’s progression to the quarterfinals, Mikel admitted he is amazed by Messi’s ability to keep producing decisive moments despite the physical and mental demands of another gruelling World Cup campaign.
“Argentina is coming through yet another difficult game, where they have been pushed to the limit,” the former Chelsea star said on Fox Sports.
“How much has Messi played, how much has been taken away from him mentally, psychologically, and physically as well.
“That’s going to be the question as well: how much can he give again to be able to drag this Argentina team yet again to another semi-final?
“That’s going to be the question, but when you have Messi, I don’t know what the guy eats. I don’t know what he eats because every time you think it is finished, he comes up with something spectacular.”
Argentina will now turn their attention to a quarter-final showdown against Switzerland on July 11, with Messi expected to once again lead the defending champions as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.
