John Obi Mikel Jokingly Told Lionel Messi He ‘Stole’ the Golden Ball After 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, with an illustrious career filled with 45 collective trophies and 52 individual accolades. However, former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel recently shared a humorous story where he told Messi that the Argentine "stole" an award from him during their early careers.

In 2005, an 18-year-old Messi was just beginning his journey to becoming a football legend. He faced off against Mikel’s Nigeria in the final of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. As often happens in Messi's career, he was the deciding factor, scoring twice from the penalty spot to lead Argentina to a 2-1 victory, securing the ultimate prize in youth football.

Messi's stellar performance earned him the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player, while Mikel, who also had an outstanding tournament, was awarded the Silver Ball. Despite the recognition, Mikel felt he deserved the top prize and confronted Messi about it.

Speaking on his "Obi One Podcast," Mikel recalled the moment after the final: “When we lost against Argentina in the U-20 World Cup, Messi won the Golden Ball and I won the Silver Ball. At the end of the coronation, I told him, ‘You stole the Golden Ball from me. I deserved it, I was better than you.’”

Mikel continued, “Messi smiled and said to me, ‘I have nothing to do with the matter; the Committee is the one who chooses.’” Mikel shared that Messi even offered to swap awards after noticing how upset he was.

“We went out, and I found him again near the locker room. He said to me, ‘Take the Golden Ball and give me the Silver Ball if you want.’ I answered: ‘I can’t, you deserve it. I was just angry, thank you,’” Mikel recounted.

The light-hearted exchange stuck with Messi, as Mikel discovered when they met again thirteen years later at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Mikel shared: “He said to me, ‘Hi, Golden Boy. I still have the photo of us together at the coronation.’ I smiled and said, ‘During that period until now, you have convinced me that you really deserved it. You are the best in the world, Leo.’”

Since their encounter, Messi has only further solidified his legendary status. His victory at the 2022 World Cup, along with a second Copa America title, has undoubtedly placed him among football’s greatest. With a potential three more titles up for grabs with Inter Miami this season, Messi continues to add to his already staggering career trophy haul.

Lionel Messi's Career Highlights:

• Barcelona:
  • LaLiga x11
  • Copa del Rey x7
  • Spanish Super Cup x7
  • Champions League x4
  • UEFA Super Cup x3
  • FIFA Club World Cup x3
• Paris Saint-Germain:
  • Ligue 1 x2
  • French Super Cup x1
• Inter Miami:
  • Leagues Cup x1
• Argentina:
  • World Cup x1
  • Copa America x2
  • Olympic gold medal x1
  • U20 World Cup x1
• Individual:
  • Ballon d'Or x8
  • European Golden Shoe x6
  • LaLiga top scorer x8

This story offers a glimpse into the early rivalry and mutual respect between two football talents and highlights Messi’s continued dominance in the sport.