Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, has declared that he has never seen a footballer play like Lionel Messi, calling the Inter Miami star a “superlative player” and the greatest of all time.

His statement may stir debate among Argentine football fans, many of whom still regard the late Diego Maradona as the nation’s greatest football icon.

Speaking on the podcast Nuera, President Milei expressed deep admiration for Messi, describing himself as a long-time supporter, even during periods when the media harshly criticised the former Barcelona captain.

“I have never in my life seen anyone play like he does,” Milei said. “He is a superlative player. I am a crazy fan of Messi. When all the local media were attacking him, there were videos of me defending him as the best player of all time.”

 

Messi has faced intense scrutiny in the past for his perceived failure to replicate his club success with the Argentine national team. He endured heartbreaking losses, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and back-to-back Copa America finals to Chile in 2015 and 2016.

In 2024, he added yet another Copa America title to his illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.

In 2016, he briefly retired from international football, only to reverse the decision and lead Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021—his first major title with the national team.

Messi went on to win the 2022 Finalissima and played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, securing the nation’s third world title.
 

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has denied reports circulating on social media that it owes former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000.

Chukwu, popularly known as “Chairman,” passed away on Saturday.
NFF, reacting to the claims, on Monday, in a statement by its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi described the allegations as baseless, stating that there is no record of any outstanding debt to Chukwu within the federation’s financial records.

“During the first term of the Amaju Pinnick-led Board, a committee was established to thoroughly review claims of unpaid wages to coaches, including debts inherited from previous administrations.”

That committee had a clear mandate to verify and ensure the immediate settlement of all legitimate debts. To the best of our knowledge, there is no record of indebtedness to Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said

Chukwu served as head coach of the Super Eagles from 2002 until 2005, when he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw against Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Kano.

Sanusi further challenged anyone with credible and verifiable evidence of any outstanding payments owed to Chukwu or any other national team coach over the past 20 years to present such documents.

“As a responsible and credible organization, the NFF remains committed to meeting its obligations. If anyone can provide authentic documentation proving that we owe a coach, we will honor the debt without hesitation,” he stated.

The NFF expressed its condolences to the family and the Nigerian football community over the loss of Chukwu, a respected figure in the country’s football history and captain of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team.

Sunshine Stars head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin has called for improvement from his players after their victory over Enyimba in a matchday 33 encounter.

Sunshine Stars beat Enyimba 2-1 In a keenly contested this at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.

Akinfolarin believes the players still need to improve on their physical strength.

He, however, admitted that the team is on the right path.

“We needed this. It gives us a push,” Akinfolarin told Sunshine Stars media.

“We still have work to do, especially on the players’ physical strength, but I believe we are heading in the right direction.”

Sunshine Stars will next travel to Port Harcourt for a matchday 34 clash against Rivers United.