Thrissur to the world: Kerala superfan’s Lionel Messi dream inches closer

Dubai: For Argentina superfan Yadil M Iqbal, it was more than just a handshake — it was a dream brushing against reality.

The restaurateur from Thrissur in Kerala finally met Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, during a partnership event between LuLu Money-LuLu Exchange and the Argentina Football Association (AFA) in Dubai on Tuesday. As Scaloni handed him a signed jersey, Yadil’s voice trembled with emotion.

“I’ve come so close. But one dream still remains — to meet Messi.”

A former engineering student, Yadil has turned his restaurant into a shrine to Lionel Messi — with a giant mural across the wall that has become a local landmark. That tribute, he says, came from years of defending his idol against taunts from rival fans.

“In Kerala, football is like religion,” Yadil told Gulf News. “We have midnight debates on WhatsApp, fight over results, and defend our players like family. People used to say Messi would never win a final. I told them: ‘If he wins the Copa America, I’ll paint his face on my restaurant and feed 400 people for free.’ He did, and I kept my word.”

Yadil, who was flown in by LuLu for the event, also travelled to Qatar in 2022 to watch every Argentina match during the World Cup. In the stands, he became a familiar face — even leading Spanish chants with South American fans.

“One chant that stuck with me was Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar,” he said on the song that became the unofficial anthem for Argentina’s 2022 World Cup campaign and has reference of Maradona. “It still gives me goosebumps.”

The journey hasn’t been easy. Between saving for match tickets, visa hurdles, and running a restaurant, it’s been a challenge. But he says Messi has always been the inspiration to keep going.

“He gives us hope. That’s what he’s always done.”

Over the years, Yadil has received a comment via Messi’s PR team and even gifts from his security team.

“Now I have a US visa,” he said. “Maybe this time …”

And he may not have to travel far the next time. With growing buzz around Argentina possibly visiting India, Yadil’s dream — and that of millions — might finally come home.

At the same Dubai event, AFA’s Commercial and Marketing Chief Leandro Petersen acknowledged India’s passionate support.

“We are aware of the incredible love from India, especially Kerala,” he said. “It’s remarkable how far the country is, yet how close the people feel. We’re working at the government level and hope to visit.”

While no official announcement has been made, Petersen and Adeeb Ahamed, Founder and Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings,  confirmed that discussions are ongoing.

As Argentina prepare to defend their World Cup title in 2026, the idea of a friendly match or fan-focused tour in India no longer seems far-fetched.

For Yadil, the mural may have come to life — but the final chapter of his Messi dream is still waiting to be written.