Claudio Tapia has been re-elected as President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for a term lasting until 2028. The decision was made during the AFA’s General Assembly at the Lionel Andrés Messi complex in Ezeiza, where Tapia’s leadership was approved by the majority of the voting members. The new Executive Committee includes Juan Román Riquelme, representing Boca Juniors, and Ignacio Villarroel, representing River Plate, as vice presidents.

Out of 46 voting representatives, 45 attended the assembly, with Estudiantes de La Plata being the only absentee. Tapia’s re-election was confirmed with 44 votes in favor. Talleres, represented by Rodrigo Escribano, voted against all points on the agenda and had earlier attempted to block the election through a legal challenge filed with the Inspección General de Justicia (IGJ), though the attempt was not successful.

In his acceptance speech, Tapia thanked the assembly members for their support and noted that the re-election marked an important day for the process of democratization within Argentine football. He also discussed progress made during his previous term, including the end of the FIFA and CONMEBOL-imposed intervention in AFA’s governance.

Under Tapia’s leadership, the Argentine national football team achieved several victories, including the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2022 Finalissima. Argentina’s youth teams won eight titles, including the U-15 and U-17 South American Championships in 2017 and 2019, and the U-20 COTIF L’Alcudia Tournament in 2018.

During Tapia’s tenure, AFA also carried out infrastructure projects, such as the renovation of its training complex in Ezeiza, which was renamed the Lionel Andrés Messi complex.

Tapia’s new term as AFA president will run from October 2024 to October 2028.

(Info provided by: Doble Amarilla)

Lionel Messi was honored by MARCA, being named the greatest football player ever and Messi spoke at the ceremony about his career.

Messi was named as the greatest football player of all time by Spanish outlet MARCA and the Argentine was awarded the trophy on Thursday. MARCA director Juan Ignacio Gallardo was also present and here is what he told the Argentina:

“This time I know I will not give this recognition to any other player because no one will surpass you, Leo.”

At the ceremony, here is what Messi had to say:

“The end is near and I’m enjoying and valuing every moment as much as possible.

“Argentina and Barcelona are my home. Today I am also in a place where I feel very happy, a new stage in my life.”

When talking about the 2026 World Cup with Argentina:

“The World Cup 2026? Everything happens for a reason in life, now I’m just trying to live day by day. Now I feel very good, when that period comes we’ll see. I don’t want to say anything in advance, I’m enjoying everything day by day.”

After having won the World Cup and two Copa America trophies with the Argentina national team:

“What’s left for me in football? Thank God I can say that I’ve achieved every dream I had. My biggest dream was to win the World Cup, not only mine but every player’s dream is to win World Cup when we start playing.

“I have also won everything for club of my life in Barcelona, I also won titles in PSG and I can’t ask for anything else.

My love for this sport is immense. We came here to make this club even greater I didn’t come to retire.

“Recently, I was at a packed Monumental with Argentina, hearing my name and my teammates’ being chanted. I’ve gone through many tough times with Argentina, and I am grateful for the moment I am living now.

“Throughout my career, I also had difficult times. Not everything is beautiful. Disappointments helped me grow to what I achieved now.”

Lionel Messi on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/o3MCEZv37X

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 17, 2024