Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has praised Lionel Messi’s remarkable resilience after the Argentina captain inspired his side to a 3-2 victory over Egypt in their World Cup Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Speaking on Fox Sports after the match, Mikel expressed admiration for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, questioning how the 38-year-old continues to deliver outstanding performances despite the physical and mental demands of international football.
“Argentina is coming through yet another difficult game, where they have been pushed to the limit. How much has Messi played, how much has been taken away from him mentally, psychologically, physically as well,” Mikel said.
He added that there would be concerns over whether the Argentine star could continue carrying his team as they pursue a place in the semi-finals.
“That’s going to be the question as well, how much can he give again to be able to drag this Argentina team yet again to another semi-final.
“That’s going to be the question, but when you have Messi, I don’t know what the guy eats. I don’t know what he eats because every time you think it is finished, he comes up with something spectacular.”
Messi once again proved decisive for Argentina as the defending champions survived a stern test from Egypt to book their place in the next round of the tournament.
