🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ogenyi Onazi praises Lionel Messi's enduring quality and consistent performance
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has lauded Lionel Messi's continued excellence in international football, emphasizing that age has not diminished the Argentine captain's skill. Onazi, who played against Messi in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, highlighted Messi's longevity as proof of his lasting class. Onazi stated that Messi, a world-class player, continues to perform exceptionally, demonstrating that age is merely a number for talented individuals. The former midfielder, who participated in all four of Nigeria's matches at the 2014 World Cup, noted Messi's quiet consistency on the field. Onazi's remarks followed Messi's hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in the ongoing 2026 World Cup, which brought his career World Cup goal tally to 16, matching Miroslav Klose's record.
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