John Mikel Obi, a former captain of the Super Eagles, has intervened in the greatest dispute in history between supporters of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
During his playing career, the former Chelsea star encountered both athletes, and he maintains that one is “miles” ahead of the other.
Thirteen Ballon d’Ors were shared by Messi and Ronaldo, with the Argentine claiming his eighth in Paris early this month.
Mikel Obi stated that confronting Lionel Messi was more difficult than Ronaldo, asserting that the 2022 FIFA World Cup champion is extraterrestrial.
“I am aware that comparisons exist. Both have been opponents of mine, and Messi was a close friend of mine during our match against them. I will not state miles in light of the accomplishments of Cristiano Ronaldo. I do not perceive any discernible parallel. “I believe Messi is an extraterrestrial,” he stated on the FIVE UK podcast.
“He is amazing. “Kicking him was always the game plan,” he continued.
As reported by CNN, Messi led Argentina to their third FIFA World Cup victory by scoring twice in the final against France in Qatar.
Both players have departed Europe, with Messi joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer during the summer transfer window, while Ronaldo tore apart the Saudi Pro League.
Mikel Obi, a former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder, previously elaborated on the financial difficulties African athletes face abroad despite earning enormous salaries, as reported by Sports Brief.
The former Super Eagles captain has attributed the primary cause of the footballers’ difficulties to onerous familial responsibilities.
Mikel Obi continues to be one of the most accomplished African athletes in the English Premier League, having spent over a decade at Chelsea.
Mikel Obi, a former Nigerian international, commented on the transfer dispute between Manchester United and Chelsea, according to Sports Brief.
It was reported that Mikel had reached an agreement with the Old Trafford club just prior to the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup; however, he ultimately decided to join the Stamford Bridge club.
The midfielder contributed to Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the tournament, which was ultimately defeated by the dominant South American team Argentina.