Tag: football India

Sports

Lionel Messi’s Kerala Visit Postponed; Argentina to Play Friendly in Angola Instead

Tanisha Cardozo

Lionel Messi’s long-awaited return to India has been postponed, according to an official announcement by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The world champions were expected to play a friendly match against Australia in Kochi, Kerala, on November 17. However, the AFA confirmed that the fixture has been postponed due to delays in FIFA permissions and logistical challenges in Kerala’s preparations. Instead, the Argentine team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, will travel to Spain for training before heading to Luanda to play their only friendly match against Angola on November 14. Following the match, the squad will return to Europe for further training sessions until November 18, coinciding with the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup.

Anto Augustine, the event sponsor working alongside the Kerala Sports Ministry, shared on Facebook that the match had to be postponed after discussions with the AFA, citing procedural delays and scheduling constraints. Reports from Argentine media suggest that Kerala’s lack of readiness to host the team within the set timeline was also a key reason behind the decision. The match is now expected to be rescheduled for March 2026.

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman revealed that Messi was even willing to visit the state independently, but the government insisted on hosting the full national squad together. The postponement has sparked political debate in Kerala, with Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan criticizing the state government for using Messi’s planned arrival for political mileage, stating that they should now take responsibility for his absence.

Lionel Messi’s last and only visit to India came in 2011, when he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina won 1-0. The excitement around his potential Kerala visit had generated immense anticipation among fans, and despite the postponement, football enthusiasts remain hopeful that Messi and the Argentine team will finally play on Indian soil in 2026.

Sports

Goa Sub-Junior Football Team Departs for National Tournament in Amritsar

allycaralgoa

Amritsar, Punjab: Goa’s 20-member Sub-Junior Football team has set off for Amritsar to participate in the national football tournament, marking a significant opportunity for young players to showcase their talent on a national stage.

The team departed Mopa Airport at 2:55 am on October 25, accompanied by Head Coach Ramesh, Assistant Coach Eddie Phisio Suraj, and Manager Cosme Oliveira. Before boarding, the players, coaching staff, and their families attended a Mass at St. Joaquim Chapel in Borda, celebrated by Fr. Dylan D’Costa, Chaplain of Borda, invoking blessings for their journey and success in the tournament.

Goa’s first match is scheduled against Haryana on October 28, followed by matches on October 30 and November 1 against other teams in the group stage, including Kerala and Punjab. The tournament promises competitive fixtures and offers a platform for Goa’s budding footballers to gain national exposure and experience high-level competition.

This journey not only highlights Goa’s dedication to youth sports development but also demonstrates the support system of families, coaches, and local communities in nurturing future sports talent. Fans and sports enthusiasts from Goa are eagerly awaiting updates as the team aims to make a mark at the national level.

Human Interest

Shrinivas Dempo shares a major throwback; 9 years ago hosted FIFA President in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Nine years ago, in the vibrant coastal state of Goa, Shrinivas Dempo had the rare honor of hosting FIFA President Gianni Infantino for a private dinner. It was more than just an evening of hospitality — it was a meeting of minds brought together by a shared passion for football.

The occasion offered space for genuine conversation about the global game, the evolution of football in emerging regions, and the transformative power of sport. President Infantino’s visit to Goa came at a pivotal moment, symbolizing FIFA’s growing interest in the Indian football landscape. His warmth, openness, and curiosity about the local footballing culture were deeply appreciated.

For Shrinivas Dempo, a long-time supporter and contributor to Indian football, this meeting carried both personal and professional meaning. Representing Goa and India’s aspirations in the sport was a responsibility he embraced with pride.

Today, the memory of that evening remains vivid — and even more special as President Infantino himself continues to share it. It’s a lasting reminder that beyond stadiums and trophies, football is about connections, conversations, and moments that stay with us.

International

Lionel Messi Sends Signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup Jersey to PM Narendra Modi on His Birthday

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September 17, 2025 | Allycaral Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s 75th birthday received a special touch of sports diplomacy when football legend Lionel Messi gifted him a signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey.

The jersey, carrying Messi’s autograph, represents not just footballing glory but also a gesture of admiration and friendship across borders.

Messi, who led Argentina to their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup win in Qatar, remains one of the most celebrated athletes globally. His gift to Prime Minister Modi highlights how sport can serve as a bridge of goodwill between cultures, nations, and leaders.

The news of Messi’s gesture has taken the internet by storm, with fans of both the football icon and the Prime Minister applauding the exchange. Many see it as a symbol of India’s growing global influence and the universal power of sport to inspire unity.

As India celebrates PM Modi’s milestone birthday through Sewa Pakhwada 2025, Messi’s heartfelt tribute has added an international highlight to the occasion.

📖 Stay tuned on allycaral.com for more updates on this story and other global highlights.

Sports

Khalid Jamil Appointed Head Coach of Indian Men’s Football Team

Tanisha Cardozo

August 1, 2025 | New Delhi — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, a historic move that ends a 13-year gap since an Indian last held the post.

Jamil, 48, becomes the first Indian head coach since Savio Medeira (2011–2012) and was selected by the AIFF Executive Committee from a strong three-man shortlist. The final candidates included former India coach Stephen Constantine and Slovakia’s ex-manager Stefan Tarkovic.

A Proven Track Record

Jamil rose to national prominence after leading Aizawl FC to an I-League title in 2017 — one of the greatest underdog stories in Indian sports. He is currently the head coach of Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he has earned praise for his tactical acumen and leadership.

The selection was based on recommendations by the AIFF Technical Committee headed by football legend IM Vijayan, who emphasized the importance of understanding Indian football’s cultural and developmental context.

What’s Next?

Jamil takes over from Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted ways with AIFF following India’s disappointing performances in recent international fixtures.

His first assignment as head coach will be the CAFA Nations Cup, to be held from August 29, 2025, across Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — a crucial platform for rebuilding team confidence and performance.

“It’s an honor to be given this responsibility. I believe in our players, our system, and what we can achieve together,” Jamil stated.

Football fans and stakeholders alike see this as a bold and hopeful step toward developing homegrown coaching talent and nurturing a distinct Indian football identity on the global stage.