Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football has brought back a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s football history, marked by memorable encounters with the Super Eagles and Flying Eagles at major tournaments.
For Nigerian fans, Messi was more than Argentina’s iconic No. 10—he was the teenager who tormented the Flying Eagles in 2005, the magician in Beijing and the superstar challenged by Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa at successive World Cups.
The story began at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Championship in the Netherlands, where an 18-year-old Messi scored twice from the penalty spot to help Argentina defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the final. Three years later, he featured for Argentina in the 2008 Olympic final against Nigeria and provided the assist for Ángel Di María’s winning goal as Argentina claimed gold.
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Messi was frustrated by an outstanding performance from Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who made several crucial saves despite Argentina’s 1-0 victory. Four years later in Brazil, Ahmed Musa produced one of Nigeria’s most memorable performances against Argentina, scoring twice in a 3-2 defeat and becoming the first Nigerian to score two goals in a World Cup match. Messi also scored twice.
The rivalry continued at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Messi scored as Argentina edged Nigeria 2-1 to reach the knockout stage. Although Nigeria never defeated Messi’s Argentina at the World Cup, the encounters became part of the emotional history of Nigerian football. From Enyeama’s saves to Musa’s goals, Nigerians watched Messi evolve from a teenage prodigy into one of football’s greatest figures.
Messi’s international career ended after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, closing an era that Nigerian fans will remember for its unforgettable battles, heartbreaks and moments of brilliance.
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