France v Argentina: The Argentina fans living 9,000 miles from Buenos Aires

Published on: 30 June 2018

Argentina Fans in Kerala

Indian Argentina fans idolise the team's captain and star man Lionel Messi 2018 Fifa World Cup last 16

Venue: Russia Dates: 30 June - 3 July

Coverage: Watch live on BBC TV, Red Button and iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app; listen on Radio 5 live; follow text updates online

Argentina have developed a surprise fanbase in the Indian state of Kerala.

Hundreds of supporters in the southern region will gather - as they do for every Argentina match - to watch Saturday's World Cup last-16 tie against France.

That is despite living 9,145 miles from Argentine capital Buenos Aires.

Indian television began broadcasting the World Cup during the 1980s, during which Argentina won the competition.

And 'Argentina Fans Kerala' have more than 250,000 likes on Facebook.

"They live in India, never visited Argentina, but throw a party at every match of the Argentine national team," reports Argentine news website Infobae.

It quotes Muhammed, a 27-year-old Indian fan, as saying: "When the TV transmission of the World Cup started in India in the 1980s, Diego Maradona was at his best so the Argentine team has many followers here."

Supporters bring flags, balloons and Lionel Messi banners to games - and some wear home-made Argentina shirts.

Source: bbc.com

Source: bbc.com

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