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 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.
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.