Lionel Messi’s career reached its pinnacle when he finally secured the FIFA World Cup 2022 title in Qatar. Argentina’s victory over France in a thrilling penalty shootout cemented Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. This victory was not just celebrated in Argentina but also saw massive support from India, especially from the state of Kerala. The World Cup final turned into a moment of national pride for many in the state, with fans rallying behind Messi and the Argentine team.
Messi’s Achievements and Legacy
Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. The football icon has won eight Ballon d’Or awards and been named FIFA Best Player eight times. With 45 major team trophies under his belt, including twelve Big Five league titles, four Champions League trophies, two Copa America titles, and one World Cup, Messi has dominated the global football scene for nearly two decades. His remarkable career also includes numerous records, such as being the top scorer for Barcelona (672 goals) and having the most European Golden Shoes (six). Messi is also Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
Messi’s Visit to Kerala: What to Expect
Excitement is building in Kerala, where Lionel Messi is expected to visit in late 2025. The state’s sports minister, V Abdurahiman, announced that Messi will be in Kerala from October 25 to November 2. During this period, Messi will participate in a friendly match and will have a special public appearance, where he will spend 20 minutes interacting with fans.
However, there seems to be some confusion about the dates. FIFA’s international windows for 2025 fall between October 6 to 14 and November 10 to 18, which raises questions about whether these dates are feasible for Messi’s visit. It’s possible that the dates announced by the minister were incorrect, and fans are eagerly awaiting further confirmation.
Messi’s Impact on Indian Football
Messi’s visit to Kerala is significant not just for his immense fan following but also for the growing influence of international football in India. Kerala has long been a hub of football culture, and Messi’s presence is expected to inspire a new generation of football fans and players in the region. The state is known for its passionate support of football, and Messi’s visit will undoubtedly enhance the profile of the sport in India.
While the specifics of Messi’s visit to Kerala remain unclear, his arrival is already generating immense excitement. His journey from being the youngest Argentine to play in a World Cup in 2006 to leading his team to victory in 2022 has been one of the most inspiring stories in the history of football. As Kerala prepares to welcome Messi, his impact on the global football scene continues to resonate, with millions of fans in India eagerly awaiting to see their idol up close.
