In Tirur, UDF fields ‘Lionel Messi’ in election campaign

Kozhikode: In an apparent dig at the state govt's failed attempt to bring football icon Lionel Messi to Kerala, UDF introduced a symbolic ‘Messi' into the election fray in Tirur constituency. The move is part of the UDF campaign against LDF candidate and sports minister V Abdurahiman. The protest campaign was carried out under the slogan that the minister who "deceived football lovers in the name of Messi" would not be forgiven. Earlier, Abdurahiman had stated that the govt, with the help of sponsor, would bring the Argentina team and Messi to Kerala for a friendly football match. As part of the protest, a person dressed up as Messi was paraded in a luxury car with elaborate security detail. Messi fans wearing the Argentina national team's jerseys followed the vehicle. The rally began in the evening from Pookkayil, with party workers accompanying ‘Messi'. UDF candidate Kurukkoli Moideen followed in an open vehicle behind the symbolic Messi's car. UDF leaders said the rally was organized as a protest against what they termed as the minister's betrayal of football fans in Kerala. Earlier this week, Abdurahiman had said that the Argentina football team betrayed Kerala by not coming to the state after accepting money for the tour. Abdurahiman said that the govt had found sponsors and put in a massive effort to bring the team to play matches in the state. "Truly, this was a huge betrayal by the Argentina team. They cheated us. They cheated Kerala. They said they would come and then didn't; it's a betrayal," he said.