The careers of Messi and Ronaldo have marked the most significant rivalry in football, as both players have achieved extraordinary heights that surpassed expectations.
Numerous pundits, footballers, former players, and managers, including Jose Mourinho, have shared their perspectives on this enduring debate, indicating that it shows no signs of concluding soon. The latest addition to the discussion comes from legendary Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Alex Ferguson Shares His Thoughts On Who The GOAT Is
Considering Ronaldo’s time as one of the best players under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, there’s no doubt that a close relationship exists between the two.
When snooker champion, John Parrott asked Ferguson to choose between Ronaldo and Messi, the legendary manager provided a thoughtful response.
Ferguson, as reported by the Mirror, acknowledged Messi as a contender for the title of the world’s best player, but he leaned toward Ronaldo, stating,
“People say who is the best player in the world? And plenty of people quite rightly say Messi – you can’t dispute that opinion.
But Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers… Anyone, and score a hat-trick in a game.
“I’m not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldo’s got two feet, he’s quick, great in the air, he’s brave – Messi’s brave, of course. I think Messi’s a Barcelona player.”
Ferguson emphasized Ronaldo’s versatility, suggesting that the Portuguese star could excel in a lower-tier team. Ronaldo, who spent six years under Ferguson at Manchester United, achieved significant milestones, including claiming his first Ballon d’Or award.
Subsequently, he moved to Real Madrid in 2009, adding four more Ballon d’Or trophies to his impressive collection.
Activist lawyer and author Dele Farotimi maintained his stance against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, following his release from detention.
Farotimi addressed reporters to restate his previous allegations against the prominent legal figure.
“I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know. The truth is enough—it is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria.”
The Ekiti State Correctional Centre detained Farotimi after defamation allegations emerged against him.
His book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” contains specific allegations of unethical conduct against Babalola, claims which Farotimi continues to defend as accurate.
The author stands by the investigative findings detailed in his publication despite the legal challenges he has faced.
“I understand the challenges that come with fighting entrenched powers, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to the truth,” he added.
An Ado-Ekiti magistrate court released Farotimi on December 20 after he met multiple bail conditions.
These conditions included posting a ₦30 million bond, securing two sureties with one being a property owner, and surrendering his passport. The court also restricted Farotimi, barring him from giving interviews to the media.
The case has ignited widespread discussions within Nigeria’s legal community regarding press freedom and institutional influence in the justice system.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates now await the forthcoming court proceedings, which will examine the merits of both the defamation claims and Farotimi’s defence.
Funke Akindele’s comedy film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has shattered Nigerian box office records by earning ₦511 million within just 12 days of its release.
FilmOne, the film’s distributor, revealed that this remarkable achievement makes it both the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024. It is also the fastest Nigerian movie to reach the ₦500 million milestone.
“History Made! Everybody Loves Jenifa smashes records with ₦511M at the box office, becoming 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood title and the fastest to hit ₦500M in just 12 days! Don’t stop! Let’s smash the record books. Watch Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas near you,” the post said.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved unprecedented success by generating ₦206 million during its opening weekend. It established a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history.
The film demonstrated its immediate appeal by earning ₦87.8 million on its first day. This set another record for the highest single-day earnings in Nigerian cinema.
Funke Akindele masterfully reprised her beloved Jenifa character, delivering a performance that perfectly captured the character’s signature humour and charm.
The narrative follows Jenifa through an engaging storyline filled with personal growth, fame-related challenges, and comedic situations that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigerian theatres.
Akindele’s marketing strategy proved exceptionally effective. Moreso, she implemented comprehensive social media campaigns and made strategic appearances at various cinemas to connect with viewers.
Her promotional efforts transformed the film’s release into a cultural phenomenon that extended beyond traditional movie-watching.
The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Falz,Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, Olayode Juliana, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola,Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.
These actors collectively bring depth to this comedy-drama that successfully weaves together humorous moments, emotional depth, and surprising plot developments.
Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.
In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.
This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.
Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.
“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.
“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.
“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.
“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.
“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”
Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.
Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.
Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.