In an interview on the Nuera podcast , the Argentine leader admitted that he is a huge fan of Messi, and affirmed that he has never seen any player play like the 37-year-old superstar.
Specifically, Mr. Javier Milei said: “Until now, I have never seen anyone play football like him. Messi is truly an outstanding player.
I am a huge fan of Messi. When the domestic media criticized him, I spoke up to defend him and affirmed that Messi is the greatest player in history.
However, Mr Javier’s statement may cause debate among domestic Argentine fans, many of whom still consider the late Diego Maradona to be the country’s greatest football icon.
In fact, Messi had to endure a wave of heavy criticism a few years ago, when he could not reproduce his brilliant form at club level with Argentina. Despite being at the peak of his career, El Pulga still struggled to bring home titles for his country.
Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, then lost to Chile in two consecutive Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. In the midst of that crisis, the President of Argentina spoke up to defend Messi.
In 2016, after missing a penalty kick in the Copa America final, Messi suddenly announced his retirement from the national team. However, just a few months later, he reversed his decision and returned to play for the national team.
In 2021, Messi finally quenched his thirst for titles when he led Argentina to win the Copa America, which was also Messi’s first major title in a national team shirt.
A year later, the former Barca player and his teammates won the Finalissima, before making history with a third World Cup in Qatar, and being named the tournament’s best player. In 2024, Messi continued to add to his trophy collection with another Copa America.
Messi is currently Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 112 goals and 61 assists in 191 appearances.
The above achievements can be increased if Messi continues to maintain stable playing condition, and is fully capable of entering the World Cup title defense campaign taking place next summer.
