Lionel Messi: India Unveil Huge Cut Out of PSG Star Days Before FIFA World Cup

• Lionel Messi will head into this year's World Cup, looking to right the wrongs of the previous tournaments that saw him come close to winning the trophy
• Messi has had a huge cut-out of himself unveiled by a group of his staunch fans in India, who will be backing the diminutive forward to lead Argentina to glory
• The cut-out is 30 feet tall and has been placed in the middle of a river at the scenic village of Pullavoor in India

The World Cup frenzy has officially hit India, with only a few weeks remaining before Qatar takes on Ecuador in the opening match of this year's bonanza.

Inasmuch as India won't be participating, a group of locals have already shown where their loyalties lie ahead of the quadrennial competition, by unveiling the huge stature of Argentina star Lionel Messi.

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Messi will once again walk into a World Cup with the heavy tag of favourite and is among the key players who can determine where the trophy will go. Argentina are one of the frontrunners to dethrone France, with Messi being the chief architect.

A group of Messi's diehards in the Kozhikode district of Kerala have come up with a huge cut-out of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

The group, which goes by the name Argentina Fans Association of Pullavoor, will be rooting for Messi to lead the Albiceleste to the World Cup title.

Onmanorama reports that the cut-out has been placed in the middle of the Kurungattu Kadavu river. The cutout is made of Messi in Argentina's colours and his iconic number 10 is emblazoned on the shirt and shorts.

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Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22, before facing Mexico and Poland.

Lisandro Martinez promises to go to war for Lionel Messi

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has rejected Lionel Messi's decision to quit the national team after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Messi, who first appeared for La Albiceleste at the 2006 World Cup, has earlier revealed his decision to bring down the curtain on his international career.

However, Martinez isn’t quite prepared for Messi retiring from international competition with Argentina.