For all the Lionel Messi and Argentina fans in India, particularly Kerala, who have not watched their idols in flesh and blood, it will be an opportunity of a lifetime next year as La Albiceleste are all set to visit the state.
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, on Wednesday, said that the Argentina football team, including Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match. Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister said the match would be held under the supervision of the state government.
Expressing confidence in the state's ability to host the World Cup winners, Abdurahiman said, "All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state."
How to get tickets for Messi-Argentina match
According to The New Indian Express, the event is being sponsored by the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA), with financial support from local merchants. The event will be titled ‘Olopo Magic’, and the fans can win entry passes through reward points earned on purchases at retail outlets partnered with the Olopo app.
Two matches are being planned, the minister said. Though Kochi, which hosts ISL team Kerala Blasters, is being considered as the primary venue, the opponent team and the date are yet to be announced.
The New Indian Express further added that Abdurahiman led a delegation recently to Spain to meet the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and discuss the event. “We had excellent discussions on hosting an exhibition match in the state. As a follow-up, an AFA delegation will visit the state within two months,” the minister said. A joint announcement is expected to be made then.
Reports suggest that the possibility of setting up football academies in Kerala was also discussed during the visit.
Messi last came to India in 2011
It was in 2011 that Messi last played in India. Argentina and Venezuela had faced off in an international friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, with the match ending in a goalless stalemate.
What the Argentine Football Association said
In a statement, the Argentine Football Association said: "Together with the delegation from the Government of Kerala, headed by V Abdurahiman, Minister of Sports, we had the opportunity to share initiatives and projects that will surely materialize in the short term."
"In recent years, the association has established itself as one of the most important and popular sports brands in this strategic market through its global expansion strategy."
"In this context, our institution is working on developing sports and commercial projects in different parts of the country, with the aim of continuing to expand our brand and being closer to the fans of the Argentine National Team in India," it added.
