The Arrival Of Lionel Messi Cs Forms Back To Argentina For The Host Status Of The U-20 World Cup?

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir gave information regarding the arrival of the Argentine national team to Indonesia. (Photo: Ulfa Gusti Utami/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team is confirmed to play FIFA Matchday on June 19 against the Argentine national team. However, recently there has been speculation that the meeting with La Albiceleste is a form of reciprocity for the 2023 U-20 World Cup host.

Indonesia actually hosted the 2023 U-20 World Cup, but that status was canceled by FIFA because of the rejection of the participation of the Israeli national team. With Indonesia's revocation of its status, FIFA then appointed Argentina as the substitute host.

This situation then sparked speculation that there was reciprocity between Indonesia and Argentina. In response, the General Chairperson (Ketum) of PSSI, Erick Thohir, clearly denied and mentioned the willingness of the Argentine national team to face the Indonesian national team at FIFA Matchday because of the ability of Indonesian football.

"There is no reciprocal. Argentina sees Indonesia as also a country whose football is number one and I am sure that many Argentine players have many followers in Indonesia. So surely the Argentine national team players will also come here to greet their fans here," said Erick Thohir during a press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Wednesday, May 24.

The man who also serves as Minister of SOEs also asked that the arrival of the Argentine national team to Indonesia not be associated with politics.

"What does this mean? There is nothing wrong with them (the Argentine players) being present to greet fans of the Argentine national team, also greeting fans individually. So it has nothing to do with politics," continued Erick Thohir.

Erick Thohir then revealed that there was no special request from Lionel Scaloni's team when he arrived in the country later. He then joked that even though the ability of the Indonesian national team could invite doubts against Albiceleste, the status of the SEA Games champion could be a convincing guarantee.

"The Argentine request is all normal, like we host a big team," he said.

"If the Argentine team wants to play with us, it's really bad to win the SEA Games. What does that mean, we can position it as the best country in Southeast Asia. So just enjoy it first," continued Erick Thohir.