'Instead of bringing Messi, we must create our own Messis,' says IM Vijayan; urges Kerala to send players to Argentina

Until recently, Kerala was buzzing with anticipation of a visit by Lionel Messi and his FIFA World Cup-winning Argentina team. But former Indian football captain I M Vijayan has delivered a grounded message: “Instead of bringing Messi and his team here, Kerala should create our own Messis."

The legendary footballer was speaking at the session, ‘Messiye Kathu Keralam’ (Kerala awaits Messi) at Manorama Hortus on Friday, alongside close friend and fellow former international Jo Paul Ancheri. "Our teams should be sent to Argentina and other countries. That is how they get better, through real exposure and experience,” fired in the iconic striker, emphasising the need for long-term development rather than splashing the cash on occasional star appearances.

Vijayan shared his learning curve as a footballer that turned him into an Indian icon despite lacking a foreign stint. Both Vijayan and Ancheri noted that little has changed since their time, as Indian football still suffers from a lack of global exposure.

"Young footballers are lucky if they get opportunities abroad, especially in good academies,” Vijayan said. “Young players in Japan and Korea get chances to train and play in Europe. Such pathways must be created in India too,” Ancheri chipped in.

Vijayan also admitted that there are systemic challenges within Kerala when it comes to propagating the beautiful game. “In our time, we had so many tournaments. League structures today have reduced those competitions. We need more tournaments and a long-term vision starting from childhood to identify and nurture talent,” he said.

Vijayan hailed the Super League Kerala (SLK), a franchise-based men's football league in the state, which is into its second season, as a stepping stone for player development. "Not everyone gets into ISL (Indian Super League) or the I-League. SLK has good media support and will help players grow. But it’s better to create our own Messis here,” Vijayan said.

'If Messi comes...'
Ancheri, a versatile footballer and a contemporary of Vijayan, shared the sentiment of Kerala football fans, who were upset after the proposed friendly match between Argentina and Australia fell through, allegedly due to FIFA's non-approval of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor in Kochi. "... there are issues with the stadium, so we’re not sure whether the match will happen," Ancheri said.

Kerala's Sports Minister V Abdurahiman has repeatedly said that the state would push to get Messi and Argentina for a friendly fixture in Kochi in March next year. "But if Messi comes, it will be a memorable day for all of us," Ancheri added.

On Maradona and Messi
The legendary Kerala football duo spoke about their admiration for global football greats, including Messi, Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“After Maradona, people wondered who was next. Then came Messi. I don’t think there will be another like him,” Vijayan said.

Vijayan compared football’s modern icons, Messi and Ronaldo, to Kerala’s own film legends. “Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are like Mohanlal and Mammootty. Messi’s game flows like hearing K S Chithra sing, while Ronaldo is all power and a brilliant dribbler,” he said.

Kerala to Kolkata
The session also became a nostalgic space as Vijayan and Ancheri revisited their early years in Kolkata and their chemistry on the field. “We were both strikers but never jealous of each other. We understood each other’s game that built our friendship,” Vijayan recalled.

Ancheri talked about the leap of faith he took as a youngster. “When I decided to go to Kolkata, my father said the loss or gain would be mine. Vijayan was already at Mohun Bagan, and I joined him there.”

Vijayan concluded by underscoring the importance of Kolkata football in shaping a player. “One must play league matches in Kolkata. It teaches you a lot and gives unmatched exposure,” he said.