In recent days, former Chelsea and Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has revived an old anecdote from his footballing youth involving Lionel Messi. During an interview with TNT Sports, Mikel revealed that after the U-20 World Cup final in 2005, where Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1, he told Messi that he deserved the tournament’s Ballon d’Or, and not the Argentine star.

“When we lost to Argentina in the U-20 World Cup final, Messi won the Ballon d’Or and I was given the Silver Ball. At the end of the awards ceremony, I approached Messi and said: ‘You have stolen the Ballon d’Or from me. I deserved that award because I am better than you. ’ Messi just looked at me and smiled, replying: ‘I have nothing to do with that,’” Mikel said.

However, the conversation did not end there. Shortly afterwards, the two crossed paths again on the way to the locker room. “This time, Messi approached me and said: ‘Take the Ballon d’Or and give me the Ballon d’Silver if you want it’. I told him that I couldn’t do that,” recalled Mikel, who also highlighted the mutual respect that the two have for each other.

Lionel Messi, for his part, did not miss the opportunity to respond to these statements. In a recent interview, the current Inter Miami player said: “I remember that final and all the emotions that surrounded it. I have always had respect for John Obi Mikel as a player and as a person. What happened in that tournament was a special moment for me, but I have always believed that individual awards are not the most important thing. Football is a team sport and what I value most are the titles I have won with my teammates.”

Messi added humbly: “If Mikel thought I deserved that award, I understand his point of view. Every player has his own perspective and we are all competitive. However, as I told him at the time, I did not decide who won the Ballon d’Or.”

Messi’s words once again underline his humble character and focus on teamwork, qualities that have led him to be considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. Meanwhile, John Obi Mikel, who has shown great respect for Messi, continues to be remembered as a key figure in football, especially during his time at Chelsea, where he won numerous titles.

The exchange between the two players, which spans years, highlights not only the competitiveness in the world of football, but also the respect and camaraderie that can exist between the greats of the sport.