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- Published: November 20, 2024 17:10
New Delhi: One of the greatest footballers of the modern era, the 7-time Ballon d’ Or Champion and the 2022 World Cup winner, Lionel Messi is set to play in India in an international friendly next year. The news was confirmed by Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman.
During a press conference, the Kerala minister stated that the match would be held entirely under the supervision of the state government. The minister was confident during his press conference and remarked that Kerala has the ability both in finances and infrastructure to host such a kind of tournament:
All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state…
The 37-year-old is currently leading the national side in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers where the La Albiceleste are currently placed at the top of the table with 25 points.
Messi returns after 14 years!
Lionel Messi last played in India in 2011, when Argentina faced Venezuela in an international friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata that ended in a goalless draw. As a global football icon, Messi enjoys an immense fan following in India, a country traditionally dominated by cricket.
Among his Indian admirers, Kerala stands out as a hotspot for Messi mania, where football has long been a beloved sport. Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, after his high-profile tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), further broadened his appeal in North America.
Even from thousands of miles away, his performances in MLS have captivated Indian fans, many of whom stay up late to watch his matches. Messi’s remarkable career has solidified his status as a beloved figure in the region, with fan clubs and gatherings dedicated to celebrating his achievements. Kerala’s deep-rooted football culture has embraced Messi as one of its own.
