'Will bring Lionel Messi with me to Kolkata next time,' promises Emiliano Martinez

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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is buoyed by the love shown to him in Kolkata by football fans and has promised to bring Lionel Messi with him next time and play a match in the city. The 2023 World Cup-winning star, who made crucial saves in the final, was on a four-day visit (July 3-6) to the capital city of West Bengal.

Emiliano Martinez, who was brought to the city by the Indian football giants Mohun Bagan Super Giants, said he wasn't expecting to see such fan frenzy for him in India. "I am very surprised by the fans. I did not expect such an overwhelming response. Next time, I will come with Messi and play here," said Martinez.

Lionel Messi has visited Kolkata in the past with the Argentina football team to play a friendly match against Venezuela at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, also known as Yuba Bharati Krirangan. World Cup winner Angel Di Ma was also part of the squad, along with Sergio Aguero, Nicholas Otamendi, Gonzalo Higuain among others. For Emiliano, this was his maiden visit to Kolkata.

During his visit, the 30-year-old goalkeeper, who plies his trade for English football club Aston Villa, saw fans turn up in huge numbers to pay homage to him. Kolkata is well known for his love for football and fan following for Argentina and Brazil national football teams.

Martinez, who visited some prominent places associated with the culture of Indian football, was also gifted lifetime memberships of both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, the two biggest football clubs of the city and India.

Emiliano Martinez, visited the Milan Mela (the primary exhibition and convention centre of the city), where he was honoured by East Bengal, who organised a show called 'Tahader Katha' for Martinez. He was welcomed by enthusiastic East Bengal fans at the venue and was also presented with a red and yellow jersey.

The goalkeeper then spent the afternoon at the Mohun Bagan's ground, where he wore the club's green and maroon jersey. Interestingly, Martinez was also presented with Hilsa and Chingri (shrimp) fishes by the fans of both iconic clubs as the two fishes hold a unique significance in the culture of both the clubs.