Eagles Legend Mikel Obi Ignores Ronaldo, Reveals Why He Wants Messi To Win World Cup

Eagles Legend Mikel Obi Ignores Ronaldo, Reveals Why He Wants Messi To Win World Cup

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:19 PM
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  • Lionel Messi will lead Argentina against the Netherlands in the quarter-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
  • Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has thrown his weight of support for the South Americans
  • The former Chelsea of England midfielder has stated that he is rooting for La Albiceleste to go all the way

Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has minced no words in saying he wants Lionel Messi to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina are through to the quarter-final stage of the competition, but they face a stern test on Friday night against European powerhouse the Netherlands.

Although he has won 37 major titles at club level, Messi has only managed to win one major title with Argentina’s senior national football team.

Lionel Messi, World Cup, Argentina, Mikel Obi
Lionel Messi is being backed to win the World Cup by Mikel Obi. Photo: JEWEL SAMAD
Source: Getty Images

He led La Albiceleste to the Copa America title in 2021 after losing the final of the competition on three occasions.

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Many have tipped the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to win the World Cup before he retires, but at age 35, his last attempt could be in Qatar.

After Nigeria failed to qualify for the global showpiece, Mikel Obi is pitching his tent with Argentina as he continues to root for Lionel Messi.

He told Pulse Sports:

“So, let’s say probably Argentina because I’m a big fan of Messi. I love the way he plays football and I think it will be a crime if he ends his career without winning the World cup.
“I think everybody is rooting for him, and so we hope that he wins it. Really we hope that Argentina win the tournament.
“It will be a crime if Lionel Messi ends his career without winning the World Cup.”

The former Stoke City midfielder also applauded the Atlas Lions of Morocco for reaching the quarter-final but suggests that it will be a tough task for the North Africans to go all the way.

He added:

“To be honest I know Morocco, they’ve done really well but, I hope they can go on to win it. But that’s far-fetched, isn’t it?”

Mikel Obi blasts Cristiano Ronaldo

Sports Brief earlier reported that Mikel Obi has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for the statement he made during his interview with Morgan, which led to Man United terminating his contract.

While granting an interview with the 57-year-old British broadcaster, Ronaldo made it clear that he has no respect for current Man United manager Erik ten Hag.

Mikel claimed that Ronaldo should not have granted the interview, adding that many clubs might be turning their backs against him.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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