From 17 kg kheer idol to Argentina-themed sweet shop, Lionel Messi fever grips 'City of Joy', Kolkata

Howrah: Riding on talisman Lionel Messi's incredible performances, Argentina turned their disastrous start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup around and are now just a win away from securing the biggest prize in football.

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SportsTak

Howrah: Riding on talisman Lionel Messi's incredible performances, Argentina turned their disastrous start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup around and are now just a win away from securing the biggest prize in football. Messi's Argentina will lock horns against defending champions France in the FIFA World Cup final on December 18 (Sunday). Millions of people around the world are dreaming of a fairytale ending to one of the greatest sporting careers of all time as Messi will have one last shot at clinching the World Cup title. The excitement is palpable and Messi mania has gripped several cities in India as well.

In the City of Joy, Kolkata, there stands a sweet shop in the central Howrah region that is completely dressed in Argentina colours. Argentina flags can be seen all around the shop while a 17 kg kheer idol of Messi has become a center of attraction. Apart from the Messi idol, various varieties of sweets are being sold on the theme of World Cup, Argentina and one Lionel Messi.

Messi fans are flocking to the shop to get their hands on the customised sweets ahead of the World Cup final. The locals, along with the shop owner, believe that winning the World Cup is only a matter of time for Argentina. And once Argentina lifts the trophy, everyone will celebrate the victory with glaring smiles and delicious sweets.

"This is what FIFA World Cup is all about. We eat football, drink football, sleep football and also celebrate football like this. That is why we have taken this initiative," the shopkeeper said.

Argentina fought their way back from intense criticism to prove everyone wrong and swaggered their way to the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where they will face defending champions France. In what will be the final World Cup game for Lionel Messi, the La Albiceleste are dreaming of a wonderous send-off for one of the greatest athletes of all time. Messi has scored five goals and assisted on three goals in the 2022 World Cup so far. 

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