‘Impossible Not to Think of Football in Argentina’: Modi Shares Photo of Special Gift from FIFA Chief

New Delhi: Argentina, which is home to some of the most talented football players in the world, seems to have passed on its game frenzy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the country’s capital Buenos Aires to attend the G-20 summit.

When FIFA President Gianni Infantino gifted him a football jersey that had his name printed on the back, PM Modi took to Twitter to share the news with the world. “Impossible to come to Argentina and not think about football. Argentinian players are tremendously popular in India. Today, received this jersey from @FIFAcom President Gianni Infantino. I thank him for the kind gesture,” Modi posted on Saturday night.

While addressing the 'Yoga for Peace' event on November 27, the PM had spoken about how Indians follow Argentinian football closely. "If Argentina is interested in India's philosophy, art, music and dance, there are millions of fans of the Argentine football stars in India. Maradona's name is used as a proverb in India," he had said.

Before leaving for New Delhi after concluding his three-day visit, PM Modi also announced that India will host the G20 Summit in 2022, when the country celebrates its 75th year of Independence.

"It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022, and we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit).They accepted our request, others accepted it too. I'm grateful and I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022," he said.

The G20 brings together 19 of the world’s most industrialised nations and the European Union. These annual meetings have been taking place since 2008.