Fans In Frenzy: Team Argentina, Star Player Lionel Messi To Play In Kerala
Following long speculations about the Argentina football team and its legendary player Lionel Messi visiting Kerala, State Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Wednesday stated that the football team would come to the state for an international match in 2025. During the exciting announcement, the minister noted that iconic player Messi would visit the state along with the team to play the match, leaving the fans in frenzy.
The news has been received with heightened enthusiasm among the football fans in the state, which is known for its zest for soccer. Evident in its admiration for the legendary football players is the street posters and murals depicting the favorite players and teams throughout the country side, especially during the world cup seasons. The football buffs, however, have been left in awe with the state sports minister’s announcement.
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The Argentine star player occupies most of the wall spaces devoted to great halfbacks, which were even taken and posted by the official FIFA social media handle during the 2022 World Cup season. In India, traditionally dominated by cricket, Kerala stands out for its equal football craze and love for the iconic global soccer players.
According to the press conference, the match in Kerala will be conducted under the complete supervision of the state government, but all the financial assistance for organizing the high-profile sports event will be provided by the merchants of the state.
In a Facebook post, state Local Self-Governments minister MB Rajesh welcomed “football legend Messi and Argentina team,” adding, “millions of hearts with blue stripes on white are waiting.”
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Though Messi enjoys a huge fan base in India, Kerala’s mania for the player is unmatched. Far away from Argentina, fans here are ready to stay up late to watch their goat playing. Messi’s recent achievements, including in the World Cup and Copa America, among others, have further boosted the player’s image in the state, which was celebrated by the fans clubs.
Following the victorious world cup, the Argentina Football Association had expressed its gratitude towards Kerala for its enthusiastic support. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also met with Argentina’s ambassador to India, showcasing interest in collaborating with the south american country to develop football in the state.
Messi had last played in India in 2011, for a friendly international match between Argentina and Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
