Argentina star Lionel Messi has admitted that he is wary of facing Nigeria in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup.

Argentina, Nigeria, Iceland and Croatia were drawn in the 2018 World Cup Group D.

A month ago, the Super Eagles won 4-2 in a friendly encounter against the Albiceleste -with Messi rested – in Krasnodar, Russia.

In an interview with TyC Sports, ‘La Pulga’ said that African teams can be very dangerous if they have “their day.”

“You can expect anything from African teams. If they have their day, they can score four goals against you,” said Messi.

“Nigeria have very good players, fast players, you can’t give them space. However, they also allow you to play; they leave gaps and many spaces are generated.”

Messi also spoke about Nigeria’s star, John Obi Mikel, who voted for him to win The Best Fifa Men’s Player 2017, an award that finally went to Real Madrid and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We have crossed paths several times, but have never talked to each other. Simply, a greeting and the usual respect, that’s all,” concluded Messi.

Argentina and Nigeria will play at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Novgorod on 21 June.