Argentine inspection team's thumbs-up to venue for Messi match

About 152 countries from across the world are expected to watch the high-profile match, which will also see wunderkind Lionel Messi don the captain's armband for the first time in his international career.

"Me and my team visited the stadium in the morning. We saw the practice venue (Mohun Bagan ground) yesterday and we are happy with the arrangements here," Camino said.

"We want to win here so we are coming with the best possible team including Messi, who will debut as the captain in the match," the former defender who donned Argentina jersey in early 80's and also represented East Bengal in 1988, added.

Camino, along with Pernas Oscar Alberto and Martin Rodrigo, arrived here yesterday morning to inspect the practice and the match venue.

Asked whether Messi is better than the legendary Diego Maradona, Cummino said "Being an Argentine it's very difficult to answer this question, but both are better than Pele."

On the artificial turf at the Yuba Bharati, he said, "We are not accustomed to play on this sort of surfaces, but we hope we will do well on the artificial surface, and we will play our natural game, something we are known for."

The green signal from the Argentine inspection team has left the Celebrity Management Group (CMG), which is organising the FIFA friendly, relieved as doubts had been raised over the stadium's preparedness.

"We have silenced the critics who have raised doubts, and this will be a historical moment for India. We have sold the TV rights to 152 countries so the entire world will be watching this match. Mind you this is not a cricket match," said CMG assistant director Bhaswar Goswami.