Fulham defender reveals how Messi inspired him to play for Nigeria

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey has revealed how Lionel Messi’s magical moments on the pitch inspired him to play for the Super Eagles.

Bassey grew up in England, but was born to Nigerian parents in Italy.

The Fulham star was given the opportunity to represent one of the three countries internationally.

But he chose to play for Nigeria after seeing Messi score a goal against Nigeria in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“When Nigeria played Argentina they lost 2-1 but it was a good match. Messi of course – Messi is originally Messi – he scored that outrageous goal,” Bassey told Sky Sports (via Afrik-Foot).

“I think it was a knee, a foot and then a right foot. It was great. But that was more the motivation for me to want to play for Nigeria and also want to play on the big stage.”