Will Lionel Messi play in Kerala for Albiceleste?

Published On : 2024-11-21T13:38:30+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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Lionel Messi. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)Argentina to play two friendlies, says Kerala Keralasports minister; assures fans Lionel Messi will be part of the squad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has its mind and heart firmly set to deliver Argentina - and LionelMessi - to its people even if the budget of this exercise runs up to anything between 30

Kerala sports minister VAbdurahimanon assured the state's football fans that the world champion football team including their talisman captain will play two international friendlies but stopped short of making a formal announcement. He also mentioned that representatives of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) will visit

The world's No 1 football team Argentina is coming to Kerala. Lionel Messi too will be here," Abdurahiman said during a media interaction at the state secretariat.

There will be two matches. (But) it is not right on my part to make a formal announcement. That will be done by AFA.

The idea of football diplomacy seems to have the full backing of state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan as well. "Kerala is set to make history as World Cup champions Argentina are expected to visit next year! This dream is becoming a reality thanks to the state government's efforts and the support

Argentina's opponents for the friendlies have not been finalised but indications are that it will be a prominent Asian side. It is understood that AFA officials have requested the state govt to provide them with a list of opponents from which the AFA will pick

The dates of the matches will also be finalised after the AFA team's visit but it is understood that the state govt is exploring the possibility of hosting the matches next Oct.

Abdurahiman has sought the help of traders in the football-mad state to mobilise funds to bankroll such a high-profile fixture.

Though the minister claimed that Messi would return to India 14 years after he and Argentina first played in Kolkata in 2011 against Venezuela it would be too premature to confirm his presence in the squad.


Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles


Tags : India , Logan Riely , Kolkata , But , Jan , La Albiceleste , Getty Images , Venezuela , Though ,


Summary :

Lionel Messi. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)Argentina to play two friendlies, says Kerala Keralasports minister; assures fans Lionel Messi will be part of the squad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K