New Delhi, July 19
Argentina's Ambassador to India, Mariano Agustin Caucino, congratulated the Argentine team on reaching another FIFA World Cup final and expressed confidence in a thrilling contest against Spain.
Thanking Indian fans for their overwhelming support for Argentina, Lionel Messi and the team, he said he hopes Argentina lifts the World Cup trophy.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time). Spain is aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi's Argentina seek back-to-back titles.
"First of all, congratulations to the team of Argentina, because they reached the final once again. We are going to be watching the match as the whole world is doing, and I think it will be a great match because the two teams are very good. Both teams have been playing very well, and I hope Argentina wins. I think this is a celebration for the entire world. I want to thank the Indian people for the support they are giving to Argentina, to Messi and to all the players," Caucino told ANI.
Caucino praised Messi for setting an example through his leadership and sportsmanship, calling him the world's best player. He said Argentina is proud of Messi and appreciated the admiration he receives from Indian fans, while refraining from comparing him with Diego Maradona and expressing hope that Argentina wins the World Cup.
"We think that Messi is giving a very good example to the world of the friendship between countries and to the development of a good place. We are happy and confident. He's the best in the world, not only the best player, but he has given a great example. We are very happy that the Indian people value that. I can't say if Maradona or Messi is better because we are hoping that Argentina will win," he added.
Defending champions Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit. Enzo Fernandez restored parity with the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the title clash against Spain.
Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Messi is just incredible. His leadership and sportsmanship set him apart from any other player. I've been following football since childhood, and seeing him win the World Cup last time and now aiming for back-to-back titles is amazing. Argentina definitely has my support!
I appreciate the ambassador's words, but I think Maradona was something else entirely. Nevertheless, Messi is phenomenal and has given us so many unforgettable moments. India's love for football is growing, and this kind of recognition is great for the sport here 😊
What a comeback by Argentina against England! That stoppage-time goal by Lautaro Martinez was pure drama. I think Spain will put up a tough fight, but with Messi leading the charge, Argentina has the edge. Let's hope for a cracker of a final ⚽
I love how the ambassador thanked Indian fans. Football in India is on the rise, and tournaments like this just bring the world closer. Messi is undoubtedly the best of his generation, but I hope Spain gives a good fight—it's been too long since they won. Either way, the winner will be football!
It's refreshing to see a foreign diplomat acknowledge the passion of Indian fans. Messi is a global icon, and his humility is contagious. I just wish we had more such moments of sports diplomacy in today's world. Vamos Argentina! 🇦🇷
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