Indian welcome, Argentine food await Messi & Co

Traditional Indian welcome and delicious Argentine dishes await soccer superstar Lionel Messi slated to arrive here by Wednesday for his national side's FIFA official friendly against Venezuela on Sept 2.

"The soccer star will get a feel of Indian hospitality as we will give him a traditional welcome. He will be given a tika (vermillion mark) on the forehead and garlanded," said an official of team hotel Hyatt Regency.

While five members of support staff arrived Sunday, a 19-strong side comprising new national coach Alejandro Sabella, assistant coach Julian Camino, third goalkeeper Esteban Andrada and other support staff arrived on Monday.

Messi and Co. would be served their preferred Argentine cuisine instead of the spicy Indian food. The team's chef Diego Iacovone is already in the city. A look at the food table spread with varied Argentine cuisine will surely make the visiting team feel at home.

The city is abuzz with excitement as it hosts the first ever FIFA friendly match in India. Celebrities from across the country along with over 100,000 fans are expected to witness the match at the floodlit stadium.