September 3: Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. Sourav Ganguly, former captain of India and president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, acknowledges that even the greatest players must eventually retire.
Commenting on Messi’s retirement, Ganguly stated, “That’s the nature of the sport. Great players must retire at some point, and Messi has showcased exceptional talent for a long time. This is an inevitable part of sports. Great players have to leave, and he has left behind a legacy that is incredibly hard to match.”
Ganguly reminisced about another Argentine left-footed player, Diego Maradona, saying, “I have seen Maradona play, and Messi hails from Argentina as well. Maintaining such a legacy is challenging. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, and Spain are renowned for producing world-class players consistently. Therefore, I hope another star emerges soon.”
Brazil, a five-time FIFA World Cup champion, is set to play a friendly match in India this year. The historic encounter will take place on October 3 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Regarding this match, Ganguly expressed, “I have heard about it. Football is a fantastic sport. I enjoy watching it. Brazil is one of the greatest footballing nations. I expect them to come with a strong team, providing our footballers with valuable experience. Playing alongside better players helps you improve, which is essential for Indian football.”
The former Indian captain emphasized the impact of sports on people, stating, “Sports significantly influence individuals. When you encourage young boys and girls to play, whether it’s football or cricket, you give them a purpose in life. That’s why opportunities are crucial, and I hope this trend continues.”
In light of the devastating floods in Nepal, which have claimed over 1,200 lives, Ganguly expressed his sorrow, saying, “This is incredibly tragic. My thoughts are with the families and people of Nepal. I hope they can recover from this disaster. Facing such natural calamities is not easy; it is very challenging and often leads to loss of life. It disrupts an entire nation’s system. My prayers are with all those affected, and I hope they recover soon.”