Argentinas parting gift: An open practice session for the fans

After almost a week of being guarded round the clock from the citys football-crazy fans,the Argentine team finally gave in to their requests.

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After almost a week of being guarded round the clock from the citys football-crazy fans,the Argentine team finally gave in to their requests,throwing open the doors to what was supposed to be a closed-door final practice session in the city.

The Sunday evening training at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan YBK had fans thronging the ground for a final look at the stars,and Lionel Messi and his men were more than happy to accomodate. Even the security personnel,who had kept the fans at a distance ever since the Argentines landed,let go. Ever since he landed at the Kolkata airport four days ago,the fans and media here have followed his every move. Im bowled over by the affection shown by the people here, Messi told a group of Argentine journalists travelling with the team.

At the end of the session,he presented the fans with three footballs,kicked high into the stands. Young sculptor Amit Das,who presented Messi with a statue of the footballer and got an autograph in return,was over the moon. Its one of the most precious things that I have got in my life, he said.

The Argentines,though,didnt mind having the fans around for one last time. I will share this experience with my Manchester City mates. I would love to come back here. This visit has given me the opportunity to learn and understand a different culture and I feel this has enriched my experience, defender Pablo Zabaleta said.

Following their international friendly against Venezuela on Friday,the players have largely remained confined to the hotel and the YBK,but not always. While some of them visited the Missionaries of Charitys Mother House on Saturday,others were busy collecting souvenirs,with Lord Ganeshas statue most in demand Jonas Gutierrez bought quite a few.

Assistant coach Julien Camino renewed his ties with the city he played for East Bengal in 1987 and attended Argentinas final session in Kolkata in a red-and-yellow EB jersey,presented to him by the club.

The city has changed a lot. I didnt get full payments from East Bengal during my tenure as a player but I got a lot of love and affection, he said. And the power cut during the post-match press conferences on Friday,which left both the local media and the organisers red-faced,were dismissed by head coach Alejandro Sabella. The power cut had created some tension in the dressing room but Sabella said: These things happen everywhere in the world.

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The team will leave for Dhaka early on Monday for their next friendly against Nigeria at the Bangabandhu Stadium on September 6.