Speaking on Brazilian legend Romário’s YouTube channel, Xavi reflected on the 15 years he spent alongside Messi at Barcelona, portraying him as a footballer far beyond comparison with any player from the past or present.

The former Spanish midfielder said even world-class stars such as Neymar could not rival Messi’s overall impact and extraordinary ability.

Xavi admitted he would like future players to surpass Messi but believes that possibility is highly unlikely.

According to him, Messi excelled in every department of football, from technique and physical strength to tactical intelligence, heading ability, use of both feet, and an unmatched competitive mentality.

He described the Argentine as an extraordinary player who elevated everyone around him whenever he had the ball.

Xavi added that beyond his football brilliance, Messi remains humble, disciplined, hardworking, and deeply committed to perfection.

He recalled first seeing Messi at age 16 and immediately recognizing him as a phenomenon unlike any other, while also praising his personality and character off the pitch.

Xavi also revealed that he had attempted to bring Messi back to Barcelona, but the move did not materialize because the club president rejected the idea.

His remarks further fuel the enduring debate over Messi’s place in football history, having personally witnessed his transformation from teenage sensation to global icon during Barcelona’s golden era.

Messi currently plays for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and is expected to lead Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The updated schedule was released on Monday and signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu.

According to the revised timetable, adjustments have been made to key activities including screening processes, appeals, and primary elections, alongside fresh directives on the sale of nomination forms and designated party bank accounts for payments related to Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Under the new schedule, the APC presidential primary is slated for Saturday, May 23, 2026, while the governorship primaries will hold on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Primaries for State Houses of Assembly are scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, Senate primaries for Monday, May 18, and House of Representatives primaries for Friday, May 15.

The party also announced concessions for female aspirants, youths, and persons living with disabilities, stating that they will only be required to pay for the Expression of Interest form and 50 percent of the prescribed nomination fee for their chosen positions.

The APC retained its nomination fees at ₦100 million for the presidential form and ₦50 million for governorship aspirants.

Senate aspirants are expected to pay ₦20 million, House of Representatives hopefuls ₦10 million, while aspirants for State House of Assembly seats will pay ₦6 million.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Monday, Hamzat expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to remain committed to the continued development of Lagos State.

Earlier reports indicated that Sanwo-Olu officially backed Hamzat during a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, after the deputy governor declared his intention to run for the state’s top seat before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.

Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu said stakeholders unanimously supported Hamzat’s ambition.

According to the governor, Hamzat formally informed the gathering of his decision to contest for the governorship position.

Sanwo-Olu described his deputy as competent and experienced, expressing strong confidence in his capacity to lead the state.

Reacting to the endorsement, Hamzat said the governor’s support was deeply meaningful to him.

He noted that Sanwo-Olu’s trust carries significant weight, given their years of working closely together in service to Lagos.

Hamzat added that he remains dedicated to building on the achievements they have recorded and is prepared to serve Lagos residents with integrity, focus, and a strong sense of purpose.