That's the reaction of Ashique Kuruniyan, who plays on the wing for India and Mohun Bagan, to the news that the Kerala government was trying to get Messi and his national team for a match next year. And just in case anyone missed the sarcasm,

Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team are set to visit Kerala for an international friendly next year, confirmed by the state's sports minister.

The excitement surrounding Lionel Messi’s name reverberates worldwide, and Indian soccer fans have a new reason to celebrate. The excitement surrounding Lionel Messi’s name reverberates worldwide, and Indian soccer fans have a new reason to celebrate.

The venue—most likely Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium—and dates, would be formalised only after the visit of AFA delegates.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, last played in India back in 2011 when Argentina locked horns with Venezuela in an international friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata which ended in a goalless draw.

In a landmark announcement, Kerala’s Sports Minister confirmed that Argentina’s national football team, led by Lionel Messi, will play a friendly match in Kerala in 2025. Discussions held in Spain paved the way for this historic event,

Sports minister V. Abdurahiman, who addressed a media conference in state capital Thiruvananthapuram, indicated that the venue could be Kochi and the opponents Japan and Qatar

The Kerala Sports Minister announced that the Argentina football team, featuring Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match. The event will be supervised by the state government and financed by local merchants,

The state must decide whether it wants a fleeting moment of Messi-magic or a lasting foundation for future champions.

World Cup-winning Argentinian football team led by iconic Lionel Messi will play in Kochi next year, Kerala State Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced on Wednesday.Addressing the to the media here,