When Argentina takes to the field against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their final group D game of the 2018 on Tuesday, Lionel will not only be looking for a way to revive the faint hopes of his country’s World Cup campaign, but will also have his eye on becoming the first player to score at the World Cup as a teenager, in his twenties and in his thirties if he finds the net. Messi, who celebrates his 31st birthday today (Sunday), scored his first World Cup goal during the 2006 edition at the age of eighteen. He also netted at the last two World Cups in South Africa and Brazil, while in his twenties.
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is yet to get on the scoresheet in Russia after drawing blanks against Iceland and Croatia, even missing a penalty in the opening game against Iceland. In five games against Nigeria (including youth level), Messi has recorded 4 goals and 2 assists. The Super Eagles therefore have a job on their hands to make sure they become the third team to shut-out Messi at this year’s World Cup.