File photo of Lionel Messi© AFP
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Wednesday said the Argentina football team, which includes legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year to play an international match. Addressing a press conference, the minister said that the match will be held under the full supervision of the state government. “All financial assistance for organizing this high-profile football event will be provided by the traders of the state,” the minister said, expressing confidence in Kerala’s ability to host this historic event.
Lautaro Martinez’s superb volley was enough to give world champions Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru while Brazil drew 1-1 at home to Uruguay in South America’s World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL standings and it is surely only a matter of time before they qualify for the 2026 tournament.
It was far from a classic performance from Lionel Scaloni’s side, but Inter Milan’s Martinez’s moment of magic proved decisive at the Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi crossed from the left and Martinez leaped into the air, leaned back, and fired a thunderous left-footed shot past Pedro Gallese.
Argentina’s eighth win in 12 games leaves them top of the table with 25 points, five ahead of Uruguay, who earned a valuable point in Brazil.
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil labored long throughout the game in Salvador and fell behind to a 55th-minute goal from Real Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde.
But Brazil equalized seven minutes later when Gerson cleared a header and volleyed home.
Gabriel Martinelli came close to winning when he showed deft touch and a change of foot before volleying a fine save from Sergio Roche.
The draw leaves Brazil in fifth place with 18 points, one point behind fourth-place Colombia, who suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Ecuador in Barranquilla.
(With agency participation)
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