2018 World Cup: ‘Nigeria can’t stop Messi’ – Simeone

2018 World Cup: ‘Nigeria can’t stop Messi’ – Simeone

The prospects for Nigeria and other World Cup Group D members may not be very rosy if the opinion of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is anything to go by after he said none of them will be capable of stopping superstar Lionel Messi at the Mundial.

Someone believes his countryman is desperate for a winners’ medal as he gradually winds down his playing career, and that may be bad news for countries drawn up against him, Completesports reports.

Former international Simeone gave the verdict at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo moments after leading his team to a 3-2 victory in a friendly Tuesday.

“Lionel Messi is a special player. He’s difficult to stop if he’s in good shape and he wants to win the World Cup before retiring so I don’t see any of the teams stopping him. But good luck to all the teams going to the World Cup,” said Simeone, who was a member of the Argentina side that lost to Nigeria in the final of the Atlanta 96 Olympics.

El Cholo also praised the valiant effort of the Nigerian team which he claimed surprised him, in the match.

“Your team is good. Very strong. They made the game difficult for us. Good luck to them.”