Tag: Lionel Messi

Sports

Lionel Messi’s Emotional Return to Camp Nou: A Heartfelt Message and a Historic Milestone

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Lionel Messi made a secret and deeply emotional return to Camp Nou on Sunday night — his first visit since leaving FC Barcelona in 2021. Fresh off guiding Inter Miami past Nashville in the MLS Playoffs, Messi took a sentimental detour to revisit the stadium where his extraordinary journey began.

It was a symbolic and heartwarming moment for the Argentine icon, who has never hidden his longing for the club that defined his career. Messi spent over two decades at Barcelona, winning countless trophies and the hearts of millions, before an unforeseen financial crisis forced his departure in tears.

Following his quiet return, Messi took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message: “Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you guys made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to…”

The visit came just as Barcelona reopened the Camp Nou for a senior team training session amid ongoing renovations. The club remains optimistic about returning to play home matches at the iconic venue later this season.

Messi’s emotional night was matched by another milestone on the field — the Argentine maestro recorded his 400th career assist during Inter Miami’s 4-0 demolition of Nashville in the MLS Cup playoffs. He scored twice and set up two more goals for teammate Tadeo Allende, showcasing his enduring brilliance at 38 years old.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s relentless energy and leadership, saying, “He was the first one who guided us in high pressure. To see him press like that at 38 years old is crazy. We all know about Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive.”

With over 900 goal contributions and counting, Lionel Messi continues to define footballing greatness — not only through his talent but also through the emotion and humility that have made him beloved around the world. His visit to Camp Nou was more than nostalgia; it was a reminder of the unbreakable bond between a legend and the club that will forever be his home.

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.

International

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

allycaralgoa

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

Lionel Messi Set to Play in Kerala This November in FIFA Friendly

Tanisha Cardozo

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – It’s official: football legend Lionel Messi will be returning to India for the first time since 2011, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The reigning world champions will play a FIFA international friendly in Kerala in November 2025, a momentous occasion for Indian football fans and a massive win for Kerala’s growing sporting ambitions.

The fixture is part of three international matches scheduled during the FIFA window from November 10 to 18, with the other games set to be played in Luanda and Angola. While the opponents are yet to be announced, anticipation is already surging across the country.

The AFA’s official statement reads:

“The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025… The second, a FIFA friendlies in November, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India.”

This visit also puts to rest speculation surrounding Argentina’s participation in India. Earlier, the Kerala government faced criticism for reportedly allocating a substantial sum to host Messi and the team, amid rumours of the invitation being declined.

However, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman reaffirmed that the AFA has committed to the match, adding that his recent visit to Spain was not only to meet AFA officials but also to discuss Kerala’s new stadium project in Thiruvananthapuram with Spain’s Sports Council.

“The AFA has assured that the visit in November will take place with the new sponsor. Necessary security arrangements have already been requested for the team,” said the minister.

Messi’s Return: A Historic Moment

Messi’s last trip to India was in September 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela in an international friendly at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. Now, over a decade later, his return marks a rare and historic moment for Indian football, especially for Kerala, a state deeply passionate about the sport.

The announcement cements Kerala’s place on the international football map and could boost local enthusiasm, tourism, and infrastructure investment.

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Lionel Messi’s Argentina to Play in India After 14 Years: A Historic Exhibition Match in Kochi This October

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In a thrilling development for Indian football enthusiasts, Lionel Messi’s Argentina national team is set to play an exhibition match in Kochi, Kerala, this October. The match, scheduled to take place after a 14-year hiatus, promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans.

A Dream Come True for Indian Football Fans
The last time Messi played in India was in 2011, when Argentina faced Venezuela in a friendly match at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. This upcoming match is a testament to the growing popularity of football in India and the country’s emergence as a significant player in the global football landscape.

A Strategic Partnership to Promote Football in India
The exhibition match is part of a strategic partnership between HSBC India and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to promote football in India. This initiative aims to strengthen Argentina’s global presence, particularly in Asia, and provide a platform for Indian football enthusiasts to witness the magic of Messi and his team.

Preparations Underway for a Memorable Experience
Kerala’s government has confirmed the event, and preparations are underway to ensure a memorable experience for fans. The match is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in India, given Messi’s immense global appeal.

A Legacy That Inspires Generations
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has a massive following in India. His visit is expected to inspire the youth and elevate football’s profile in South Asia. With eight Ballon d’Or awards and numerous accolades, Messi’s presence is sure to electrify the stadium and create lifelong memories for fans.

A New Chapter for Indian Football
The exhibition match is not only a celebration of Messi’s legacy but also a significant step forward for Indian football. The partnership between HSBC India and the AFA is expected to boost football’s popularity in India and provide opportunities for young talent to flourish