Mikel Obi Names Lionel Messi As Favourite, Backs Argentina To Knock Out England
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has named Lionel Messi his favourite player and expressed confidence that Argentina will overcome England in tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi‑final, warning that the Albiceleste captain will exploit the Three Lions’ midfield.
The ex‑Chelsea midfielder noted that England have shown weakness in central areas throughout the tournament and believes Messi, together with Julián Álvarez, will capitalize on those gaps when the teams clash.
“I’m a Messi fan; I want Argentina to win,” the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champion said on The Rest Is Football podcast, joining Joe Cole, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker.
He continued, “How do you stop Messi? We’ve all tried and failed. He’s simply a genius. I remember facing him when we played against Barcelona – he’s a phenomenal player.”
“It’s unbelievable. A week before our Chelsea‑Barcelona clash we’d discuss how to contain him, how to take him on. Mourinho was always searching for a solution.”
Mikel Obi stressed that marking Messi one‑on‑one is virtually impossible due to his extraordinary movement, tight control and visionary passing.
“You cannot defend him man‑to‑man; it’s impossible,” he said. “Even if you try, you don’t want to just shadow a player like that. When Argentina move the ball to find him, everything changes.”
“His dribbling feels like a magnet at his feet, and his sight‑passing is among the best in the world. We often talk about his goals, but his assists are equally astonishing.”
He concluded, “Argentina will win. England have not been impressive; they’ve had only one strong half. Messi and Álvarez will find space in the midfield between Declan Rice and his partner.”
“Putting Declan Rice on Messi man‑to‑man would strip him of his effectiveness, leaving the exact space Messi loves. If he receives the ball there, England are in trouble.”
“That’s where the match will be won or lost. The players protecting Messi know how to battle for him; they’ve done it before, so I believe Argentina hold the edge.”
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