“I almost wanted to clap”: Ekong on Lionel Messi’s goal against Nigeria

Lionel Messi’s goal against Nigeria during the 2018 FIFA World Cup is being recalled by William Troost-Ekong. Even though he was playing as an opposing player, the Super Eagles defender revealed that it was entertaining to watch. He said that when the Barcelona great scored the first goal early in the first half, he was on the verge of applauding. Visit https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1630737-william-troost-ekong-recalls-playing-lionel-messi-2018-fifa-world-cup/ to learn more.Argentine icon Lionel Messi has been praised by Nigerian international William Troost-Ekong, who has called him a player with a unique talent.

Visit https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1630737-william-troost-ekong-recalls-playing-lionel-messi-2018-fifa-world-cup/ to learn more.

In a 2018 FIFA World Cup group-stage match between Nigeria and Argentina, Ekong faced the amazing talent. In the fourteenth minute, Messi scored a stunning goal after eluding the Super Eagles’ defense. Visit https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1630737-william-troost-ekong-recalls-playing-lionel-messi-2018-fifa-world-cup/ to learn more.

William Troost-Ekong recalls Lionel Messi’s stunner against Nigeria in 2018. Photo: Julian Finney. Source: Getty Images Read more: https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1630737-william-troost-ekong-recalls-playing-lionel-messi-2018-fifa-world-cup/

Messi executed a great control to beat Kenneth Omeruo and then struck the back of the net after Ever Banega delivered a long ball behind the Nigerian defense. Visit https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1630737-william-troost-ekong-recalls-playing-lionel-messi-2018-fifa-world-cup/ to learn more.

Victor Moses made no mistake from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 after Javier Mascherano gave up a penalty when he dragged Leon Balogun into the danger area. Visit https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1630737-william-troost-ekong-recalls-playing-lionel-messi-2018-fifa-world-cup/ to learn more.

Messi’s goal is still stunning for Ekong, but Marcos Rojo’s goal in the 86th minute gave the South Americans a 2-1 victory. Recalling the incident, the Super Eagles captain claims he was on the verge of applauding the multiple Ballon d’Or winner. In an interview with talkSPORT, Ekong stated: “We lost 2-1, last minute.” He took the ball over his shoulder, back of his heel, and finished with his right foot to score the opening goal. “You are never in control, but I think I managed to get one or two blocks of tackles,” I recall saying, practically clapping my hands.

🚨🗣Nigerian player (W. Troost-Ekong), talks about his experience of facing messi in 2018 World Cup.

“I almost wanted to clap”. pic.twitter.com/7apUiHWRpo

— W (@_common_w2) April 7, 2024

Ekong associates Chelsea and Osimhen.

In the midst of the ongoing transfer rumors, William Troost-Ekong previously said that Victor Osimhen is a Chelsea supporter, according to Legit.ng. Visit https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1630737-william-troost-ekong-recalls-playing-lionel-messi-2018-fifa-world-cup/ to learn more.