Argentina President Javier Milei has showered praises on Lionel Messi, describing him as the country’s Greatest Footballer of all time ahead of the legendary Diego Maradona.
Milei revealed that he is a long-time admirer of the former Barcelona captain even when he has been criticised by the media.
Milei expressed his admiration for Messi in a podcast Nuera.
He said: “I have never in my life seen anyone play like he does.
“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 was a subject of harsh criticisms after leading Argentina to the World Cup final defeat in 2014, followed by two consecutive Copa America finals defeats to Chile in 2015, and 2016.
In 2016, he announced his retirement from international football before rescinding his decision to lead the team to the Copa America in 2021, and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Messi has played 213 matches for Argentina, scoring 128 goals with four trophies including the Olympic Gold medal in 2008.
Maradona, on the other hand, scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, leading the country to the FIFA World Cup trophy in 1986.
