Lionel Messi Dominates Discourse On Emiliano Martinez Visit, Goalkeeper Plays Ball

Lionel Messi was not there, Emiliano Martinez was. But still, Messi dominated the discourse on a Tuesday afternoon that was reserved for Martinez, who was glad to play ball. As one of Messi's most trusted lieutenants during Argentina's triumphant campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Martinez didn't mind the interest, the curiosity around his iconic teammate's future in the sport, and decided to go with the flow on the second day of his visit to the football-mad city. Earlier, scenes of unbridled joy swept through the roads leading up to the Mohun Bagan tent, where the star goalkeeper was engaged in a slew of activities, including inaugurating the Pele-Maradona-Sobers gate and declaring open the Kolkata Police Friendship Cup in front of packed stands.

'Dibu', as he is fondly called, was overwhelmed by the welcome he received from thousands of fans sporting the Albiceleste colours and Messi's No. 10 jersey.

"To see so many people cheering for you, and Argentina is a joy," he said.

With cheers of 'Messi, Messi' reverberating across the stands, the 30-year-old Martinez made a promise to bring Messi to Kolkata again, and to play football in Argentina colours.

"This is not the end, I hope to come back to India to play with Argentina and Messi," he said, generating the loudest cheers.

"Now when I come to places like this, I realise the importance of winning the World Cup. Making people happy.

"I said I would come to Kolkata to see the culture, the beautiful Kolkata city. I'm really proud to be here today," he said.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winner thanked Messi for making him a "better goalkeeper".

Asked if he has ever stopped a Messi penalty, he said: "Yes, I've, in practice matches." "We used to practice a lot