FIFA World Cup 2018: Indian tea stall owner paints entire house in Argentina colours to support Lionel Messi
There are a lot of fans of Lionel Messi but this fan has done something unusual that makes him different from others. The 53-year-old Kolkata-based tea staller Shib Shankar Patra is a die-hard fan of Messi.
With a wish to watch live his favourite player and team in upcoming FIFA world cup in Russia, Patra saved some Rs 60,000 but a local travel agent said that he would need to have Rs 1.5 lakh to fund his World Cup trip. So, he dedicated his three-storied building to his favourite team Argentina and to jersey number 10, he painted his building in the colour of the team.
In an interview, Patra said, " I am addicted to Lionel Messi and Argentina. I don’t earn much but ensure that bulk of my earnings is kept aside for these indulgences when World Cup comes calling."
Well, this isn't the first time that he has done so, he has been doing so for years, when the world cup comes. When one enters this building, football craziness vibes in the air. Be it walls or floor, everywhere there is a print poster of Messi.
It isn't Patra alone who is in love with Messi but his wife Swapna and children are equally mad about him.
From celebrating Messi's birthday to distributing Argentina jerseys among local kids, this family has dedicated their life to the football legend. Last year Patra cut a 30-pound cake and gifted100 Argentina jerseys among local kids. Besides, during the world cup, there would be prayers for Messi in a local temple.
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First published: 11 June 2018, 13:56 IST