Youth and Sport Minister supports Indonesia vs Argentina friendly match

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Youth and Sport Minister Imam Nahrawi supported Football Association of Indonesia’s (PSSI) plan to play a friendly match with Argentina’s national team.

He said the ministry will help the funding if available. Earlier, PSSI’s  International Relations and Media director Hanif Thamrin had communicated with   the Argentine Football Association (AFA) as well as with an Indonesian organizer.

This match was planned because the Garudas—Indonesia national football team’s nickname—will not participate in any international tournament. However, PSSI will only play some friendly matches within FIFA’s schedule.

Therefore, PSSI wants Lionel Messi and teammates to be Indonesia’s opponent; and the minister is highly support this plan. “It is a great plan. PSSI must find a good opponent that has winning experience. It doesn’t matter if we lose. We have a same dream that is to become the best,” Minister Imam said after monitoring the local election quick count at his residence on Wednesday (2/15).

He said that the ministry will give not only moral support but also funding. “We have prepared it, but PSSI must draft the list of activities to get the funding from APBN [State Budget]. The ministry must arrange the budget first, including for the upcoming SEA Games,” he concluded. (Translator: Rina Alexandra)