Argentina

Former Inter Milan star Diego Milito has said that Mauro Icardi cannot take his starting role with Argentina for granted, given they are many excellent strikers within the national team pool. The Nerazzurri captain has recently become a regular feature for the South Americans upfront with Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain out of the fray, though the duo could return before the Copa America during the summer.

Speaking to Tencent Sports, Milito said:“It was true that Icardi had just completed a great season, but there are many excellent strikers in Argentina and I have shared the same feelings [having not been selected for the 2010 World Cup. As I said before, we have many excellent players in attack, but I think I deserved more opportunities.”

Stephen Keshi, the Nigeria boss, has hailed Lionel Messi for his phenomenal soccer abilities.

According to Keshi, the 27-year old striker seems to have come from a different planet.

Keshi was answering the questions of the reporters yesterday night. When he was asked about Messi, he said, “He is an absolute beauty. I can’t praise him enough. The Argentinean team has got some other highly talented guys as well, but, Messi is class apart. You’ve got to give it to him. I reckon he has come from some other planet.”