Thiruvananthapuram, July 19: Kerala’s passion for football reached a new high on Sunday as the state government declared a holiday on Monday for all educational institutions, allowing students to stay up and watch the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina without worrying about attending classes the next morning.

The holiday covers schools under the General Education Department as well as colleges, universities and professional institutions under the Higher Education Department.

The decision was taken following directions from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan after thousands of football enthusiasts, particularly students, appealed through social media for a holiday.

The final is scheduled to kick off at 12.30 a.m. IST on Monday, making it difficult for students to attend classes after a late-night match.

Football enjoys an unmatched following in Kerala, where the sport is often celebrated with a passion rivalled only by cricket in other parts of the country.

In the days leading up to the final, towns and villages across the state have been transformed into football arenas, with giant cut-outs of international stars towering over roadsides, junctions and playgrounds.

Supporters of Spain and Argentina have erected massive banners, flags and decorative arches, while local fan clubs have organised public screenings, rallies and celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere across Kerala.

The overwhelming response from football fans played a key role in the government’s decision. Several schools in Ernakulam had already announced a holiday on their own after receiving requests from students and parents.

The state government’s announcement brought uniformity to the decision, ensuring that students across Kerala could enjoy the championship match.

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John announced that all higher education institutions, including professional colleges, would remain closed on Monday. He said the decision would enable students to watch one of world football’s biggest sporting events without the inconvenience of travelling to campuses after a sleepless night.

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen also confirmed a holiday for schools under his department through a social media post, opening his message with the playful words, “Happy now, kids?”

He said the government had considered the sentiments of football-loving students before taking the decision.

With public viewing centres, giant screens and football-themed celebrations planned across the state, Kerala is set to witness another unforgettable night as lakhs of fans unite to cheer their favourite teams in the FIFA World Cup final.

Mumbai, July 17: Argentina’s Consul General to Mumbai, Daniel Quer Confalonieri, believes the reigning world champions have grown stronger with every game at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and head into Sunday’s final against Spain with genuine belief that Lionel Messi can end his international career on the highest note.

Confalonieri said Argentina’s performances have steadily improved after a slow start to the tournament.

“Argentina is growing into the tournament. We didn’t start particularly well; we were winning matches in the last ten minutes, even during the group stage. But after the second half against England, where we played magnificent football and Messi led the team brilliantly, I think we now have a real chance in the final against Spain,” he exclusively told IANS.

“I don’t know if we’re going to win, but I certainly hope so. Spain is a very good team with outstanding players. However, I believe Argentina are very solid, and I’m very confident and optimistic about our chances of winning the tournament.”

Reflecting on Lionel Messi, Confalonieri recalled meeting the Argentine icon during his visit to Mumbai in December last year and described the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as the embodiment of humility.

“I met him when he came to Mumbai on December 14 last year. We were at the Wankhede Stadium with thousands of Indian fans, watching Messi. He’s a very humble person. He plays magnificent football, but he doesn’t speak much. He’s humble, respectful, and lets his football do the talking. That’s what a truly great football player does.”

The diplomat also acknowledged that this World Cup is expected to be Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

“This is his last championship because he’s 39 years old, so we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to watch him. Even at 39, he’s incredibly fit and continues to perform at the highest level. He is still in excellent shape, even though he is 39 years old. At this stage of his career, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to watch him play.”

Confalonieri also reflected on Messi’s journey from a child battling a growth hormone deficiency to becoming one of the greatest footballers in history.

“When he was a child in Argentina, he faced serious challenges because of a growth hormone deficiency, which threatened his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He later moved to Spain, where he received the medical treatment and specialized diet he needed. There, he joined Barcelona, where he spent many years and eventually became one of the greatest football players of all time. Although his professional career was largely developed in Spain, he remains truly Argentine in the way he plays.”

Despite the focus on Messi, the Consul General stressed that Argentina’s success has been built on the collective strength of the squad.

“Next Sunday night’s match against Spain will be extremely challenging, but we are confident in our team. It’s not just about Messi; the entire Argentine squad is performing exceptionally well. We have many good footballers. The whole team is made up of warriors. I like to think of it as Messi and his warriors. There is a real sense of unity among the players.”

Having watched Spain eliminate France in the semi-finals, Confalonieri believes teamwork, rather than individual brilliance, will determine the outcome of the final.

“I watched the match between France and Spain. France had several outstanding attacking players. Kylian Mbappé and the rest of their forwards are all exceptionally talented. Spain controlled the midfield throughout much of the game.”

“As I told earlier, you don’t win a major tournament because of individual stars alone. You win by playing as a team. Every player has to work together, move forward as a unit, and support one another. That’s what makes the difference in competitions of this level.”

The sports circles in West Bengal have been rocked by the mysterious disappearance of a national level shooter, Damayanti Sen, from the Howrah Station near Kolkata since Thursday afternoon. The 15-year-old girl could not be traced till Friday morning despite frantic searches by her parents and the police.

As per the missing case registered by her parents at the local police station, Damayanti Sen, who had been recently selected for trials in the national team, went out of her residence on Thursday afternoon to purchase some household items and did not return home after that.

According to her parents, when she left the house to purchase some household items, the teenager was carrying her mobile phone.

After Damayanti Sen did not return home for quite some time, her family members started tracking her whereabouts and enquired about the teenager from her friends, shooting associates and relatives. Finally, after being unable to track her, they registered a missing diary at the local police station.

The police immediately started investigating the matter and finally they tracked the CCTV footage at Howrah Station, where Damayanti Sen was spotted moving between platform number four and platform number five of the station.

“That was the last time that she was spotted and we are now trying to track where she went from there,” said a local police officer. However, she could not be traced till Friday morning.

According to police sources, 15-year-old Damayanti Sen is a resident of 30/2, Umacharan Bhattacharjee Lane in Central Howrah.

According to the statement given to the police by her family members, ever since she was selected for the national team trials, she used to rise early daily for practice. Her parents categorically informed the police that she had no disagreement with any of her family members in the recent past.

Now the family members are wondering about the mystery behind the entire development. Her friends, neighbours and shooting teammates are equally worried about the disappearance of the teenager.

This is not the first time that the shooting circles in West Bengal have been rocked by a controversy.

In March last year, the West Bengal Rifle Association (WBRA) suspended Olympian and former Indian rifle coach Joydeep Karmakar from all shooting activities in the state. His suspension came after he made a series of social media posts in January last year accusing the association of corruption