An Indian history was made on Friday, with the first ever FIFA Official International Friendly in the country kicked off featuring superstar Lionel Messi-led star-studded Argentina and a resurgent Venezuela.
Venezuela stole the show in the first half despite Messi and Co. created some good chances. The first half ended goal less.
The match, being played at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan (YBK) - the world's second largest stadium by capacity, is one of the most high profile to have been staged in the sub-continent. It will also end India’s soccer crazy city Kolkata’s wait to see the ‘Prince of Football’ in action.
The match to be played under floodlights has several other firsts. It would mark the beginning of the mesmerizing Messi’s stint as regular national captain and Alejandro Sabella’s reign as coach of the Argentine side.