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via Imago

via Imago

Whenever there is a debate over the best soccer player in the world, Lionel Messi will be one major name in that discussion. The Argentine has almost won everything which was on offer by the club and the country. Moreover, last year he won the ultimate prize of his career, the FIFA World Cup. It has given him the upper hand in the GOAT debate that will never end. 

Fans all over the world celebrated the triumph of the PSG star. Rather, fans are still celebrating. We can still see Messi lifting World Cup pictures over social media and also in the form of cutouts. But what if those Messi cutouts make it to over two-century-old religious festival celebrations?

Lionel Messi posters make it to the 220-year-old festival 

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Thrissur Pooram is one of the massive festivals in India. Considered one of the enormous gatherings in Asia, people from the state of Kerala celebrate the festival. It is also a significant highlight of the tourist map of the country, and people from various places come to see the festival. 

But this year’s celebrations caught the eyes of everyone, especially the soccer fans. One of the highlights of the festival is the competitive display of artfully created giant umbrellas on top of elephants with decorative golden headdresses and ornaments. Recently, GOAL shared a pic from the commemoration that showed the posters of Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup placed as part of one batch of umbrellas.

The state of Kerala, in India, is known for soccer fanatics. Last year, during the Qatar World Cup, fans created massive cutouts of the soccer superstars like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi. They tried to show their love for the soccer players they support. However, Messi featuring in the 220-year-old festival that sees enormous attendance is unique. Speaking about attendance, Thrissur Pooram boasts more attendance than the famous Tomorrowland festival, with over a million people gathering in town for it.

Can FC Barcelona sign Messi this summer?

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FC Barcelona is struggling financially. It had to deploy various levers to sign new players last summer. It still is somewhat distant from the FFP regulations set by La Liga. The club is trying its best to comply with the FFP by reducing the wage bill. However, despite all these struggles, the Catalan giant is linked with Messi for the last dance.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Monthly Salary at Al Nassr Makes Barcelona’s Latest Salary Offer for Lionel Messi Look Like Side Hustle

It will be an uphill task for Barcelona. They are working on the structure to bring Messi back. As part of their plans, the club has sent a few offers to the entourage of Messi, as per Spanish media. One of the offers includes a minimum base salary with the percentage of merchandise sales going to the Argentine. Watching how things transpire this summer and whether the club signs Messi will be intriguing. 

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Let us know your thoughts on the craze of Lionel Messi amongst the fans, especially after winning the World Cup.