Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman said on Wednesday that the Argentina football team, featuring famed star Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match.
The minister announced during a news conference in Thiruvananthapuram that the match will be held entirely under the state government’s supervision.
“All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state,” the minister said, expressing confidence in Kerala’s ability to host the historic occasion.
Messi last played in India in 2011 when Argentina took part in an international friendly match against Venezuela. The match had ended in a goalless draw.
A global football icon, Lionel Messi enjoys an extraordinary fan following in India, a nation traditionally dominated by cricket. Among his Indian admirers, the state of Kerala stands out as a hotbed of Messi mania, where football has long held a special place in the hearts of its people.
Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami in 2023, following a high-profile stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), further expanded his appeal to the North American continent. Even thousands of miles away, his performances in the MLS have captivated fans in India, where many stay awake at odd hours to follow their matches.
The Argentine maestro’s exploits have solidified his reputation as a popular figure in the region, with fan organizations and gatherings dedicated to commemorating his accomplishments. Kerala’s football culture, which is firmly founded in passion and tradition, has welcomed Messi as one of its own.
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Source: HT
