Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has described Lionel Messi as the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while expressing gratitude to the Argentine legend for reaching out to offer him support after what he called a “difficult night”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Spanish international shared the remarks in separate Facebook posts on Tuesday, praising the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and appreciating the encouragement he received from him.

“No player was better than Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!” Yamal wrote.

In a separate message, the 19-year-old thanked Messi for calling him and checking on his well-being.

“Thank you for calling me, checking on me, and giving me your support. Your words meant a lot to me, especially after a difficult night,” he stated.

Yamal added, “I truly appreciate it, Leo. Much love and respect!”

The Barcelona star’s comments came a day after he finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings at a ceremony held in London. England captain Harry Kane won the award, while France international Kylian Mbappé finished as runner-up.

However, Yamal did not explicitly connect his reference to a “difficult night” with his position in the Ballon d’Or rankings. He also did not confirm whether the award ceremony prompted Messi to contact him.

Messi remains one of football’s most decorated figures, having won eight Ballon d’Or awards and captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Yamal has become an important figure for both Barcelona and Spain, earning widespread recognition for his performances and development at a young age. His playing style and progress have also drawn comparisons with Messi.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration will not deny any political party access to public facilities in the state, provided it complies with the established rules and regulations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, the governor stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Makinde was reacting to concerns over the proposed use of the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its presidential campaign rally.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on November 21 for the APC rally scheduled to hold at Mapo Hall.

The planned event comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the proposed venue attracting public attention.

Addressing the issue, Makinde maintained that public facilities belong to the people of Oyo State and should be managed transparently and fairly, without political bias.

According to him, “public assets belong to the people of Oyo State and must be administered in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and devoid of partisan considerations.”

The governor stressed that his administration remains committed to ensuring a level playing field for all political stakeholders, irrespective of their party affiliations. He added that democracy thrives when political parties have equal opportunities to engage with voters within the confines of the law.

Makinde further explained that access to government-owned facilities is subject to established procedures and regulations designed to ensure proper use, maintenance and public order.

He stated that any political party or organisation that meets the stipulated requirements should not be subjected to discrimination or unfair restrictions when seeking to use such facilities.

The governor also urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly. He called on relevant authorities to handle requests for public facilities professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

The statement reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to promoting political tolerance, safeguarding democratic freedoms and creating an environment where legitimate political activities can take place in accordance with the law.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has dismissed reports of a rift between him and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that he has no personal issues with the former governor and has never spoken against him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sani made this known during an interview with Trust TV, where he described reports of a fallout between the two politicians as exaggerated.

The governor maintained that he has no problem with El-Rufai, despite speculations in the media suggesting that their relationship has deteriorated.

“I have no problem with El-Rufai; I have never spoken against him,” Sani said.

He accused individuals he described as political jobbers of exaggerating reports of a disagreement between them in a bid to create tension and instability in Kaduna State.

According to him, his administration remains focused on governance rather than engaging in political battles or personal disputes.

Sani also expressed respect for El-Rufai, describing him as his predecessor and leader. He said he would continue to accord him that respect despite the speculation surrounding their relationship.

The governor further stressed that his priority is to promote unity among the people of Kaduna State and deliver democratic dividends, rather than engage in a media war.

He urged residents to disregard rumours of a rift between him and the former governor.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has accused Sani of being responsible for the challenges currently facing El-Rufai.