Lionel Messi to Play in Kochi: Argentina Set for Kerala Showdown
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Hashim Sheikh
- . November 20, 2024
- . Update: November 20, 2024 5:12 pm
As mentioned by the Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman, football legend Lionel Messi may be entertaining his fans in India next year. The Argentine football team will play an international match in the state, Abdurahiman said on Wednesday.
He stated that the match will be supervised by the state government while speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Minister added that sponsorship would cover the approximately Rs 100 crore in total costs. According to him, the State Merchants Association has stepped up to support the event. “The state’s merchants will provide all the financial assistance for organising this high profile football event,” the minister declared.
The Minister further stated that a final announcement will be made following the visit of an Argentine Football Association (AFA) group to Kerala for discussions. Earlier this year, the Kerala Sports Minister had held initial talks with AFA representatives in Spain.
Messi would be visiting India for the first time since September 2011 when the current world champions played Venezuela in a FIFA friendly at Salt Lake’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, if he goes with the Argentine team.
After Lionel Messi assisted Nicolas Otamendi with a headed goal, Argentina won the game 1-0. Argentina reportedly looked into the potential of playing games in Australia and India in 2025.
Messi, a 37 year old, has been recognized by many as one of the best football players of all time. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times which is given to the best football player every year sets a record.
In his remarkable playing career, he has played for teams like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. When his team defeated France in a thrilling final to win the 2022 World Cup, the Argentine fulfilled his childhood dream of winning the trophy.
Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 on Tuesday in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, and Messi was on the field. He gave Lautaro Martinez a crazy support, and Martinez’s spectacular left-footed volley put the ball in the net. In international men’s competition, Messi has now tied Landon Donovan’s record of 55 assists.
Argentina’s victory brings them one step closer to securing their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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