Calvin Bassey has described the magical Lionel Messi moment that convinced him to play international football for three-time African champions Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports .
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents but raised in England, Bassey could have represented any of the three football-crazy nations.
However, he was still finding his feet in the Leicester City under-age teams when Nigerias Super Eagles arrived in Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nigerias last group game was against Argentina, with the African giants needing a draw to progress to the knockout round. But Argentina secured a last-gasp 2-1 victory instead with Messi scoring the opener with an excellent strike.
The Barcelona legend received a long ball over the top with a classic first touch on his knee, touched it past his marker with his left foot before smashing a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
