Troost-Ekong: I’ve played against great players but Messi is special

As the debate on who is the better player between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continues, William Troost-Ekong, Super Eagles defender, says the Argentine star player is “special”.

In an Instagram live chat with Super Eagles official handle, Troost-Ekong, while airing his opinion, said having played against both players, Messi stood out for him.

“Messi. He is special,” the Eagles vice-captain said.

“I have played against both (Ronaldo and Messi). I have also played against Neymar, Zlatan and many greats of the game, but Messi is something different.

“The goal against us in St. Petersburg, I can still see it in slow motion, not being able to do anything about it.”

The Udinese centre-back also bemoaned his own goal against Algeria in the semi final match at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

“Bad moments was obviously my own goal against Algeria as well as the penalty moment against Croatia at the 2018 World Cup,” he said.

“I have made mistakes, but we learn more from the mistakes, they were not for the lack of trying. As a defender a mistake usually leads to a big chance or a goal.

“These times are all part of the character. I have made mistakes in the game along the way, but you have to own them and not repeat them.”

The 26-year-old football star made his debut for the Eagles in 2015. He was part of the squad that won bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

He also represented Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup and played a key role in the country winning bronze medal at the 2019 AFCON.