Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has described facing Lionel Messi as an experience unlike any other, recalling the Argentine’s genius during their 2018 World Cup meeting.
Nigeria lost 2-1 to Argentina in that tournament, with Messi playing a starring role in a result that has stuck with Troost-Ekong ever since.
Softfootball has learned that the defender reflected on facing the World Cup winner during a recent interview with talkSPORT. He said:
When he scored the opening goal against us, it was like slow motion, you can’t really do anything, you just have to watch him.
I was close to cheering him because he was fantastic.
Troost-Ekong went on to explain exactly what sets Messi apart from other elite players he’s encountered throughout his career. He added:
He is a different quality. You can see that he’s reading the game, but when he comes alive, there is not much you can do.
