Football is the lifeblood of Kerala, and every World Cup brings that passion to the streets, with villages and towns transforming into colourful pockets of different footballing nations. For millions of Malayalis, Lionel Messi has been at the centre of that football culture — captivating fans with his mesmerising movement and magical left foot.
Even those who do not support Argentina have found it difficult to deny Messi’s greatness. Following reports of his international retirement, social media across Kerala was flooded with messages of shock, gratitude and emotion from fans and public figures.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan shared a video celebrating the joy Messi brought to football. Former India captains I M Vijayan and Jo Paul Anchery, writer N S Madhavan, lyricist B K Harinarayanan and others also reflected on the Argentine’s extraordinary career and the memories he created.
For Vijayan, Messi’s story may not yet be over. The former India captain hopes the 39-year-old could make another comeback, pointing out that Messi has previously returned after announcing his retirement. He described Argentina without Messi, a World Cup without Messi and football without Messi as painful to even imagine, while calling the Argentine’s legacy a phenomenon that may never be repeated.
Anchery, however, believes Messi’s decision marks an emotional moment for football lovers. He said fans can only offer a thousand thanks for having been fortunate enough to witness such a legend, adding that the space Messi leaves behind will be almost impossible to fill. He also linked the decision to the loss of Messi’s father, who had been a constant source of support and affection throughout his career.
Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No. 1 radio station, celebrates the same extraordinary connection between Messi and football fans across generations, as the Argentine icon continues to inspire conversations, memories and emotions far beyond the football pitch.
For writer and lyricist Bineesh Puthuppanam, Messi’s place in Kerala extends far beyond sport. He described the Argentine as part of the state’s cultural landscape, saying Messi has found his way into Kerala’s songs, stories and everyday life. From cut-outs at tea shops, fish markets and hotels to boats, buses, vehicles and village walls, Puthuppanam said there is hardly a corner of Kerala that Messi has not reached.
Lyricist B K Harinarayanan recalled watching Messi live during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup pre-quarterfinal against Australia in Qatar. Seated behind the Australian goal, he witnessed Messi’s 35th-minute goal from close range, describing the moment as one of the most precious experiences of his life.
Writer N S Madhavan, meanwhile, sees Messi’s retirement from international football not as the end of his legend but as the beginning of another chapter. He noted that Messi recently reminded the world of his old magic by scoring four goals in succession for Inter Miami and said football lovers can take comfort in knowing that the Argentine will continue his club career.
For Kerala, however, Messi’s legacy goes far beyond statistics, trophies or retirement announcements. He has become a lasting part of the state’s football culture — a name that has conquered its sea, land and sky.
