Messi inspires Nicholson’s goal?

Shamar Nicholson is looking to make his mark in his first full season in Russia and thanks to a long-awaited battle with his idol, Argentinian Lionel Messi, the Reggae Boyz' striker has finally scored his first goal since the start of this season.

Nicholson helped Spartak Moscow overturn a 1-0 half-time deficit to defeat Nizhny Novgorod 2-1 in the league on Sunday, with Nicholson scoring the equaliser in the 66th minute. Quincy Promes gave Spartak the lead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute as they move into fourth place in the table with 11 points.

It was Nicholson's first game for Spartak Moscow after the international break. He started in Heimir Hallgrimsson's opening match as Reggae Boyz' head coach, which was a losing 3-0 effort to Argentina in New Jersey last week Tuesday.

Nicholson, after the match, was coy about the reason for his first goal but stated that playing against Messi might have been the catalyst in getting his first goal of the season.

"It was one of the proudest moments for me. Watching this guy on TV since I was young and being on the same pitch with him, was amazing. It gave me confidence coming back," Nicholson told the club's website.

Nicholson produced a great one-time finish after a back-heel flick put the ball in his path in the box. Nicholson said that he relied on instinct in getting the crucial equaliser to fuel the comeback.

"This is something that you have inside of you. As a striker that was instinct. You don't have time to think what to do, you just have to be creative," Nicholson said, "it's a special moment. I have been working really hard helping the team, so to get my first goal (of the season) I'm really happy."

Nicholson scored eight goals in all competitions during his first few months in Russia since arriving in January. He also helped Spartak Moscow win the Russian Cup for the first time in 19 years.

Nicholson will be hoping to use the goal as a launch pad when Spartak Moscow face Krylya Sovetov in their next league fixture on Sunday.