Calcutta: In what would be a dream come true for every football lover, Lionel Messi, along with the Argentina team, will touchdown at the city on August 30 to play against Venezuela in the first ever Fifa international friendly in India. Venezuela too will be arriving on the same day.
Argentina will play a second friendly against Nigeria on September 6, in Dhaka.
In a media conference held on Monday, the Celebrity Management Group (CMG), the people behind the friendlies, announced a few details of the itinerary of the teams.
“Nothing has been finalised as of now, but we have an overall blueprint. After their arrival, they will spend the next three days before the match in some charity events.
“We really want to host the 37th National Games, and I have already spoken to the chief minister in this regards. She has wholeheartedly supported the idea and promised to take it forward.”
“We are thinking of organising a football clinic for talented kids selected from all across the country. They would be lucky to spend some time with Messi and the likes, which definitely would benefit them.”
“They will also have a practice session, for which tickets will be available to the public, as we cannot be expected to accommodate everyone for the September 2 tie,” he added.
The match timing and approximate ticket rates were also announced during the conference.
“The match should start at 7.00pm. Though we have not finalised the ticket prices, they should range from Rs 1000 to 5000,” Goswami said.
Speaking on the occasion, sports minister Madan Mitra said, “The government will give its full support to the event, and we will do our best.
“I have previously announced the renovation of the Salt Lake Stadium. If I say I would build a stadium of the best international standard with the best of amenities, I would be lying. All we want is for Messi to not land in a mess,” he added.
“There are a few salient points in the process. First, drinking water at every tier and clean toilets, secondly we are already in talks for back up power for the floodlights, thirdly repairing the ramps and improving on the artificial turf. Also, improvements will be made in medical rooms, media boxes and players’ rooms.”
When asked about the referees officiating the match in the light of the current worldwide controversy of referees under the scanner for fixing, All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president Subrata Dutta said: “We will make all the due arrangements to get referees of European standards.
“We will also make sure the best of AIFF referees are available too.”
Talking about the Messis playing on the artificial turf, Dutta said, “They agreed to the friendly knowing about the turf and being professionals, they would not back out on their word.”
Sports minister also unveiled his plan to host the 37th National Games in the city.
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IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli too said that the IFA would extend all possible help, in the technical aspect of the organising.
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