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Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho cherishing his chance to face Lionel Messi

By Harneet Singh Sethi

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is cherishing the chance to face Lionel Messi when Nigeria come up against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup this summer.

The 21-year old has been named in the Super Eagles’ 30-man provisional squad for the world cup and will most certainly be in the final 23 to board the flight to Russia.

And they’ll all have to do a really good job if they are to make it out of the group stages. Nigeria have been drawn with Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in group D, which has also been termed the group of death by many.

Unfazed by the prospect of an early exit, Leicester City’s young striker is instead looking forward to playing against his – and many others’ – idol, Lionel Messi.

The former Manchester City striker has previously been fortunate enough to train with the FC Barcelona star while he was still a Citizen, and the experience left some mark on the Nigerian international.

As much as he idolises the Argentine, though, he would like to end up having got something against his team, as that is what will count, and that is what will make his experience complete.

Related Story: Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi to return to full training with Nigeria

Speaking to Leicester City’s official website, he said:

"“I’ve had the opportunity to train with him when I was at the [Manchester] City Academy and he is something else.“I hope we get something against them and he’s going to play, so it’s going to be something good, a memory to play against Messi. He’s one of my idols so I look up to him.“He’s so many people’s idol in the world so he’s a player you like to play with, to learn something, of course, so I will be happy to play against him.“Of course, after 90 minutes, we’ll see what happens and hopefully we’ll get something.”"

Kelechi Iheanacho will also be joined in his pursuit by fellow Leicester City teammates Wilfred Ndidi, who will soon return to full training, and Ahmed Musa.

Next: Leicester City to begin talks with Torino for defender Lorenzo De Silvestri

They’ll be facing DR Congo, England and Czech Republic as part of their preparation before flying to Russia for the main event.

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