Indian welcome, Argentine food await Messi & Co
August 29th, 2011 - 7:11 pm ICT by IANSKolkata, Aug 29 (IANS) Traditional Indian welcome and delicious Argentine dishes await soccer superstar Lionel Messi slated to arrive here by Wednesday for his national side’s FIFA official friendly against Venezuela Sept 2.
“The soccer star will get a feel of Indian hospitality as we will give him a traditional welcome. He will be given a tika (vermillion mark) on the forehead and garlanded,” said an official of team hotel Hyatt Regency.
While five members of support staff arrived Sunday, a 19-strong side comprising new national coach Alejandro Sabella, assistant coach Julian Camino, third goalkeeper Esteban Andrada and other support staff arrived Monday.
Messi and Co. would be served their preferred Argentine cuisine instead of the spicy Indian food. The team’s chef Diego Iacovone is already in the city. A look at the food table spread with varied Argentine cuisine will surely make the visiting team feel at home.
The city is abuzz with excitement as it hosts the first ever FIFA friendly match in India. Celebrities from across the country along with over 100,000 fans are expected to witness the match at the floodlit stadium.
- Argentina arrive sans Messi for Sep 2 friendly - Aug 29, 2011
- India trip a memorable one: Argentine coach - Aug 31, 2011
- Looking forward to win, says Argentine coach - Aug 30, 2011
- Messi to captain strong Argentina side in Kolkata - Aug 19, 2011
- A gastronomic treat for Messi and co. - Sep 01, 2011
- Higuain, di Maria reach Kolkata, countdown begins for Messi - Aug 31, 2011
- Delirious Kolkata welcomes cheerful Messi - Sep 01, 2011
- Messi better than Beckham in most parts of games: Sabella - Sep 03, 2011
- It is a dream come true to coach Argentina: Sabella - Aug 31, 2011
- World Cup campaign starts with Sep 2 match: Sabella - Aug 31, 2011
- Messi is extraordinary, he is great: Sabella - Sep 03, 2011
- Messi and Co to stay put in Kolkata till Monday morning - Sep 03, 2011
- All set for Messi magic Friday - Sep 01, 2011
- Light practice session for Messi and Co. - Sep 03, 2011
- Messi choreographs Argentina's 1-0 victory over gritty Venezuela (Lead) - Sep 03, 2011
Tags: andrada, argentine cuisine, argentine food, assistant coach, food table, forehead, friendly match, goalkeeper, hotel hyatt regency, indian hospitality, kolkata, lionel, messi, national coach, sabella, soccer star, spicy indian food, strong side, team hotel, traditional welcome