By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a special gift on the sidelines of the India Energy Week in Bengaluru — a jersey featuring the name of Argentina’s football icon Lionel Messi. The jersey was presented by Pablo Gonzalez, president of Argentina’s state-run oil company, YPF.
A gesture of sporting diplomacy
The gift carried symbolic value, as Messi fulfilled his lifelong dream of winning the FIFA World Cup in December 2022, when Argentina triumphed over France in a nail-biting final. The gesture by YPF’s president reflected Argentina’s pride in Messi’s achievement and the country’s bond with football fans worldwide, including millions in India.
World Cup triumph revisited
Argentina’s win over France is etched in football history as one of the most dramatic World Cup finals. The match ended 2-2 in regular time and 3-3 after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Argentina eventually prevailed 4-2, with Messi playing a pivotal role. The victory was celebrated across the globe, and Messi was widely hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
PM Modi’s earlier congratulations
Following Argentina’s World Cup win in December 2022, PM Modi had congratulated the team and its captain. In a social media post, he called the final “one of the most thrilling football matches” and lauded Argentina’s performance. He also highlighted how millions of Indian fans celebrated Argentina’s success and Messi’s crowning moment.
Pablo Gonzalez, President of YPF from Argentina, gifted a Lionel Messi football jersey to PM Modi on the sidelines of the India Energy Week in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/45SegRxfYR
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2023
Strengthening ties beyond energy
While the occasion was primarily related to energy collaboration, the exchange of the Messi jersey highlighted how sports can serve as a bridge in international relations. Such gestures often transcend business and politics, fostering goodwill between nations.
