India cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, an ardent football lover, has requested for Lionel Messi's autographed jersey, it is learnt. Dhoni made the request through Celebrity Management Groupu00a0-- organisers of yesterday's Argentina vs Venezuela friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium.


In hot pursuit: Argentina captain Lionel Messi is chased by three
Venezuelan players during yesterday's international friendly at the Salt
Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Nicolas Otamendi headed in a Messi cross in
the 67th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 win. pic/getty afp

"We got to know about the Indian captain's request only on the morning (of the match day). We will try our best to fulfill his request. We will speak to the Argentina team management and are confident that they will oblige," CMG director Bhaswar Goswami told MiD DAY.u00a0

Would have been happier had Messi scored: Bhutia

Former India football captain Baichung Bhutia was among the 80,000-strong audience that witnessed Lionel Messi's heroics at the Salt Lake Stadium here yesterday. And as the star footballer mesmerised one and all with his individual brilliance, Bhutia couldn't help but expect more. "It was absolutely brilliant to watch Messi in action. However, it would have been a happier situation had he scored," he told MiD DAY later.

Meanwhile, All India Football Federation chief Praful Patel hoped the Argentine enjoyed himself just as the fans did. "We hope he (Messi) enjoyed playing in front of such a huge crowd," said Patel.

Power cut hampers Venezuela press conference
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A power cut interrupted Venezuela coach Cesar Farias' post-match media briefing yesterday. It is learnt that a staff member unknowingly turned off the switch. However, the lights were restored within five minutes and the press conference continued. "We had several chances to score but we were unlucky. Some of our key players like Juan Arango were missing so we are using the friendlies to try out new players," said Farias. Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella could not stop praising Messi. "He is extraordinary with the ball. His every move is watched closely and still he manages to pull off such amazing feats.u00a0We're lucky to have the best."