How Lionel Messi inspired Calvin Bassey to choose Nigeria over England, Kenya

The Super Eagles defender was eligible to play for multiple countries but Lionel Messi helped him choose Nigeria

Fulham’s Nigerian centre-back Calvin Bassey recently opened up about the moment that inspired him to represent Nigeria internationally rather than England, Italy, or Kenya.

Although born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Bassey felt a unique pull to the Nigerian national team after watching a defining moment in the 2018 World Cup involving Argentine legend Lionel Messi.

Messi’s goal helps Argentina past Nigeria

Back in the 2018 World Cup, as Nigeria faced Argentina in a crucial group-stage match, Bassey was just beginning to establish himself in Leicester City’s youth teams.

Lionel Messi in action against Nigeria || Getty

The Albiceleste went on to win that game 2-1, but it was Messi’s opener that stole the spotlight. Receiving a long pass, Messi controlled the ball with a knee touch, moved it with his left foot, and fired a powerful right-footed shot past Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

For Bassey, watching Messi dismantle Nigeria with such skill sparked a greater passion for his parents’ home country and a determination to one day be part of the Super Eagles.

Lionel Messi scores against Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup || X

Although Nigeria found an equaliser through a Victor Moses penalty, Argentina eventually got a vital win thanks to a late Marcos Rojo winner.

Bassey inspired to represent Nigeria

Bassey revealed that the match between Argentina and Nigeria was the turning point for his international career, saying, “When Nigeria played Argentina, they lost 2-1 but it was a good game.

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey. (Photo Credit: SSE/X)

“Messi, of course – Messi is Messi, innit – he scored that outrageous goal. Knee, foot, then right foot. It was top. But that was more of a motivation to me to want to play for Nigeria and also play on the big stage.”

Bassey made his debut for Nigeria in 2022, and since then, he has been a key player for the three-time African champions.

Calvin Bassey and President Tinubu | Credit:X/Calvin Bassey

Now 24, Bassey has earned 28 caps and played an important role in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in 2023, where the team took home a silver medal.