Former Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi once jokingly claimed to be a better player than Argentina's Lionel Messi.

This dates back to 21 years ago when the little Argentine guided his country to beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the 2005 U-20 FIFA World Cup held in the Netherlands.

The then 18-year-old Messi scored both goals for the South Americans with both goals coming from the penalty spot.

The then Barcelona prospect ended the tournament as the top scorer with six goals and also won the Golden Ball for being the best player of the competition.

Nigeria's Mikel Obi was also awarded the Silver Ball for his heroics with the Flying Eagles at the tournament.

Speaking on his Obi One podcast back in 2024, the former Chelsea midfielder recalled the moment he stood on podium alongside the little Argentine.

“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.’

WDN