2026 World Cup: “Not surprised by what he did against Algeria” — Former Super Eagles star who faced Messi in 2014

Former Super Eagles defender Juwon Oshaniwa has weighed in on Lionel Messi’s performance against Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the early hours of Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Messi was the star of the show with a stunning hat-trick as Argentina began their title defence in style with a 3-0 win over the 2019 African champions to underline their credentials as one of the favourites for the tournament. 

The Argentine captain produced a record-breaking display, taking his World Cup goal tally to 16 and moving level with Miroslav Klose on the all-time scoring chart.

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Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr also expressed admiration for Messi’s latest masterclass, praising the veteran forward for maintaining his remarkable standards over the years.

“It’s a fantastic performance from Messi. Eight years after our games against Argentina, it's wonderful to see that he's still so fit and so efficient,” Rohr said.

Oshaniwa hails Messi’s World Cup display vs Algeria

Echoing the sentiments of the former Nigeria coach, Oshaniwa described Messi as the toughest forward he ever faced and admitted that anyone who has played against the Argentine understands the special qualities he brings to the pitch.

The former Hearts left-back was a key member of Nigeria’s squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and also featured in every Super Eagles match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup before they exited in the Round of 16 against France – a match that has since been described by Ogenyi Onazi as his best World Cup performance for Nigeria.

Oshaniwa came up against Messi during Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, but was given a torrid time at the back with Messi going on to score twice.

“Facing one of the greatest footballers, honestly, it’s an honour sharing the same pitch with him in competition. And he is surely the toughest striker I have ever faced”, Soccernet.ng was told.

“You and I know too well what Messi carries inside him when it comes to football; it is beyond question. So we aren’t surprised by what he produced against Algeria in the early hours of today.”

Messi has enjoyed a long-standing rivalry with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo throughout their careers, with many fans and pundits debating who deserves the title of the greatest player of all time.

However, Oshaniwa believes there is only one answer to that debate, insisting that the former Barcelona forward stands alone at the top.

“Indeed, he is the G.O.A.T.”

Argentina and Messi return to action on June 22 against Austria and a win in that clash would secure their place in the knockout rounds. They will then conclude their group-stage campaign against Jordan on June 28 as they continue their quest to retain the World Cup.