International Football
WINNING AGAINST ICELAND AND CROATIA WILL HELP US IN NIGERIA’S MATCH SAYS MESSI
BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA.
In his quest to win the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, Argentine and world football legend, Lionel Messi has tasked team mates to gain all maximum points in their first two group matches before facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their last group game.
The 31 year old whose team is pitched in group D alongside, Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland believes Nigeria is a major threat to the three two times World champions.
Although both teams have been regular rivals in the World Cup, having met four times in five outings, all results have been in Argentina’s favour, even though by the odd goal.
Messi told mundoalbiceleste.com stated: “We have to take it match by match. Starting off with a win is important because it’ll then make us calmer. It’s not an easy group. Iceland showed in the Euro’s that they can go up against anyone.
“Croatia have a very good midfield and if you let them, they’ll control the ball all match long. They have Spain’s style. And it always costs us when we play Nigeria.”