Mr Perez’s leaked misspeak comes as rumours of Ronaldo’s return to Los Blancos continues to mount.
Citing a source, ESPN said “Messi has taken accepted a significant wage reduction to prolong his stay.”
The D’Tigers have been funded chiefly by private individuals and friends of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, with no visible support from the government.
The high-flying Nigerian D’Tigers suffered heavy defeat against Australia in their last exhibition game before the Olympics.
The Nigerian team secured an dominant 94-71 win over Argentina on Monday.
Messi led Argentina to defeat defending champions Brazil to emerge winner of Copa America 2021.
The two-time MVP scored 41 points, had 13 rebounds and six assists in a 120 – 100 blow out of the Suns.
English FA condemned the racist attacks launched against Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after the trio missed their penalties as England lost to Italy.
Italy have won the Euro 2020 as they beat England in a penalty shootout (3-2) on Sunday night.
Djokovic defeated Matteo Berrettini in 6-7(7-4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 at Wimbledon to achieve the feat.
