Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup: We always meet Nigeria-Messi

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has admitted that it is always tough playing against Nigeria in any
major competition.

The Argentine who has scored twice against the Eagles at the 2014 edition in Brazil, was part of the
squad that defeated the Nigeria side by a lone goal in 2010.

“We always meet them (Nigeria) and it’s always tough. They are a very fast side,” Messi said.

Both sides are poised for another showdown in Group D on June 26 at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.

The Barcelona of Spain attacker who is yet to win a major title with the senior team which he is hoping
for in Russia has however picked Brazil, Spain and Germany as the leading candidates for the World Cup
title.

“You have to go match by match and making a winning start is very important. Brazil, Spain and Germany
are the leading candidates,” Messi explained before assessing Argentina’s Group D opponents.

“Iceland showed in the last European Championship that they can compete with anyone. They press well
and do not leave any spaces and they qualified in first place from their group so we have to be patient
because that is fundamental to making a winning start.

“Croatia plays a very well with a style similar to Spain. If you let them play they keep the ball the
whole game because they have a very good midfield.”

“I have great faith in this group, we are working very well, we have players with a lot of capacity and
experience but we do not have to throw the message of ‘we are going to be the world champion because we
are the best’, because the reality is that it is not like that.”

Messi turns 31 during the World Cup and if his performances this season for Barcelona are anything to
go by, there is still plenty left in the tank.