The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a memorable tournament for many players, including Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong. One of the highlights of his World Cup experience was playing against the legendary Lionel Messi of Argentina.
In a recent interview, Troost-Ekong recalled the experience of facing Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. The Nigerian defender described the encounter as a "dream come true" and an experience he would never forget.
The match between Nigeria and Argentina took place on June 26, 2018, at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The Super Eagles of Nigeria were looking to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament, while Argentina needed a win to stay alive in the competition.
The match ended 2-1 in favor of Argentina, with Messi scoring the opening goal in the 14th minute. Victor Moses equalized for Nigeria in the 51st minute, but Marcos Rojo scored the winner for Argentina in the 86th minute.
Troost-Ekong, who played for Bursaspor in the Turkish Super Lig at the time, was tasked with marking Messi during the match. The Nigerian defender has spoken highly of Messi, describing him as a "genius" on the pitch.
In the interview, Troost-Ekong recalled the experience of facing Messi, saying: "It was a dream come true to play against Messi. He's a genius on the pitch, and you can see why he's considered one of the greatest players of all time."
Troost-Ekong also spoke about the challenges of marking Messi, saying: "It's difficult to mark him because he's so quick and agile. He's always looking for space to exploit, and you have to be alert at all times to anticipate his movements."
Despite the loss to Argentina, Troost-Ekong said he learned valuable lessons from the experience of playing against Messi. The Nigerian defender said: "Playing against Messi taught me the importance of being focused and alert at all times. It also showed me that even the best players in the world can be stopped with the right tactics and teamwork."
Troost-Ekong also spoke about the experience of playing in the World Cup, saying: "It was an incredible experience playing in the World Cup. The atmosphere was electric, and it was a privilege to represent Nigeria on the biggest stage in football."
William Troost-Ekong has had a distinguished career, playing for several clubs in Europe, including Tottenham Hotspur, Groningen, and Bursaspor. He has also been a regular member of the Nigerian national team, earning over 50 caps and scoring two goals.
Troost-Ekong was a member of the Nigerian team that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal. He also played for the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
William Troost-Ekong's experience of playing against Lionel Messi at the 2018 World Cup is a testament to his skills and dedication as a footballer. The Nigerian defender has spoken highly of Messi, describing him as a "genius" on the pitch.
Troost-Ekong's career highlights, including playing in the World Cup and winning the Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal, are a reflection of his hard work and commitment to the sport. As he continues to play for both club and country, Troost-Ekong remains an inspiration to young footballers around the world.
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