'What if Messi doesn't come?': Indian player's comments on Kerala govt cooks up a storm

Kerala-born international football player Ashique Kuruniyan from India stated his worries about a possible trip by Argentina national squad. Kuruniyan drew on his own experience when he recalled how his coach, Igor Stimac, identified his areas of weakness and suggested working on m at home before going back to national camp. Kuruniyan faced difficulty due to lack of suitable training facilities in Malappuram, where only 7-a-side facilities were available.

3 things you need to kw 

• AIFF rejected a chance to host FIFA World Cup 2022 champions in India
• India won ir 9th SAFF Championship title last week
• India won Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 last month 

Kerala star Ashique believes India lacks good sporting facilities

Instead of paying INR 36 crore to host Argentina squad, Kuruniyan emphasized need to offer players in Kerala access to basic facilities. He emphasized that in order to help development of football in state, emphasis should be on making sure players have access to suitable practice facilities.

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Igor Stimac, head coach of Indian national team, endorsed Kuruniyan's position and commended him for coming out. Stimac underlined gravity of grassroots infrastructure and player development instead of spending a lot of money on hosting high-profile games. He voiced confidence in India's capacity to contend with recognized nations in important competitions in future.

What did I. M. Vijayan comment on situation?

 What if Messi and Argentine team do t come after we spend ₹36 crore? I agree with Ashique's stance. Instead, that money could be invested in grassroots football and construction of more playing fields, allowing us to produce more Indian internationals. While I understand fans' excitement about seeing Messi, we should consider long-term benefits for Indian football and Kerala.

I. M. Vijayan, a major football figure from Kerala and India’s second-highest goalscorer of all-time agreed with Ashique Kuruniyan. India football icon questioned rationale of paying INR 36 crore if Lionel Messi and Argentine squad were unable to attend.

Vijayan agreed with Ashique and suggested money needs to be spent on grassroots football and creation of new playing grounds to develop Indian potential. While appreciating supporters' delight at prospect of meeting Messi, Vijayan emphasized advants such investments would bring to Indian football and Kerala.

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viewpoint of Ashique, Igor Stimac, and I. M. Vijayan sparked a debate on seriousness of prioritizing grassroots football development and infrastructure over hosting high-profile international matches. y call attention to greater impact on Indian football and necessity for critical facilities for Kerala players. This discussion emphasizes significance of investing in long-term football development in order to promote local talent and generate long-term advancement in sport.