Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has shared how Lionel Messi's stunning performance served as a powerful source of inspiration for him to represent Nigeria at the international level.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Bassey had the opportunity to represent any of three football-enthusiastic nations. At the time of the Super Eagles' arrival in Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Bassey was still finding his footing in the youth teams at Leicester City.
In Nigeria's final group match against Argentina, the three-time African champions needed at least a draw to advance to the knockout stage. However, Argentina clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory, with Messi delivering a remarkable opener with an exquisite strike.
The Barcelona and Argentina legend expertly controlled a long ball with a classic knee touch, deftly manoeuvred past his marker with his left foot, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that soared past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
Bassey was captivated by Messi's remarkable goal and the overall intensity of the game, fuelling his ambition to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Calvin Bassey on the inspiration behind his Super Eagles aspirations
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Bassey reflected on the profound impact of witnessing Messi’s individual brilliance during Nigeria’s match against Argentina.
“When Nigeria played Argentina, they lost 2-1 but it was a good game,” Bassey said. “Messi, of course – Messi is Messi innit – he scored that outrageous goal. I think it was knee, foot, then right foot. It was top.
“But that was more of motivation to me to want to play for Nigeria and also play on the big stage.”
In 2021, the 24-year-old committed his international future to Nigeria by accepting a call-up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. He made his debut for the Super Eagles on March 25, 2022, in a 0–0 draw against Ghana during the qualification campaign.
Bassey has earned 28 caps for Nigeria and was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that finished as runners-up in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) held in Ivory Coast.
