01 September,2011 08:59 AM IST | | Agni Pandey
There was pandemonium in the City of Joy as the world's best footballer --Lionel Messi practised for
80 minutes at the Salt Lake Stadium yesterday. MiD DAY kept a close eye on the superstar. Here's a low down...
18:25 PM: The Argentina team bus arrived. What was originally scheduled to be a close-door practice turned into a free-for-all as spectators desperate to get a glimpse of Messi gate-crashed! When Messi got off the bus, there was nervousness in his body language. Just then a girl screamed, "Messi...Messi", the champion smiled at her before entering the stadium.
18:40 PM: Training began. When Messi entered the ground, he touched the turf and felt it. He then took a few laps of the ground. He played in a withdrawn forward role as Coach Alejandro Sabella divided the squad for a game.
19:15: Messi scored a scorcher off his left foot beating 'keeper Sergio Romero all ends up. "Messi" chants grew louder.
19:40: A super shot from Messi hit the crosspiece. he then took a breather -- cooled off with a drink and chatted with teammate Javier Mascherano.
20:05: Messi, accompanied by commandos, makes his way outside through a tunnel that connects the ground and dressing room. "Messi" chants fill the air.
20:15 PM: Messi emerged from the stadium, took a few quick strides before hopping on to the team bus -- once againu00a0 showing signs of nervousness in front of a big crowd. Inside the bus, he moved the curtains to salute the fans, and waved to the eager crowd before the curtains were drawn again.
