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Kolkata Referee Recalls Messi Stardom
12 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Rowan Arumughan officiated Lionel Messi's 2011 Argentina match.
- He prepared rigorously, despite limited opponent footage.
- He managed nerves, focusing on professional duty during the game.
Rowan Arumughan, a former FIFA referee from Palakkad, reminisces about officiating a 2011 friendly match in Kolkata featuring Lionel Messi.
Arumughan's initial plan to attend the match as a spectator changed when he was selected as a referee. He recalls the disbelief and excitement, but emphasized his commitment to professionalism during the game, putting aside the star status of players like Messi.
Preparing for the match presented challenges due to a lack of video footage for Venezuela, Argentina's opponent. Arumughan meticulously gathered information from fellow referees. Despite pre-game nerves, he maintained composure once the match began, prioritizing error-free officiating and ensuring no major decisions impacted the game's outcome.
