Argentine superstar and 5-time Ballon d’or winner Lionel Messi has praised Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi adding that he has utmost respect for the former Chelsea midfielder.

Messi made this known in an interview with TYC Sports, he said: “We played many times against each other, but never talked. Simply a greeting and respect forever.”

On Nigeria’s recent 4-2 win over his team, the Barcelona talisman said: “Nigeria are like that, they have two faces. If they have their day, they score four goals…”

”They have very good players it was clear in the second half; but they also allow you to play, they leave gaps and many spaces are generated.” he concluded.