Former Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi has said that he accused Lionel Messi of "stealing" the Golden Ball from him following the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005.

Nigeria faced Argentina in the final of the competition, which was held in the Netherlands.

Messi, who was 18 years old at the time, scored twice from the penalty spot as they prevailed 2-1 to claim the trophy.

Messi finished first with six goals and was given the Golden Ball, while Mikel Obi received the Silver Ball.

Mikel Obi recently stated on his Obi One Podcast that "when we lost to Argentina in the U-20 World Cup, Messi won the Golden Ball and I won the Silver Ball."

"After the coronation, I scolded him, 'You stole the Golden Ball from me. I deserved it; I was better than you.

"Messi smiled and said to me, 'I have nothing to do with the matter, the Committee is the one who chooses.'"