A die-hard Argentina fan in Kolkata has painted his house in the team's blue and white colours ahead of the football World Cup, saying his love for Lionel Messi's men knows no bounds. 
 
Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy. 
 
"For me Messi is an extension of Maradona. Everyone in my family loves Messi. We love his behaviour, we love everything about him," Patra told AFP. 
 
Patra who sells tea from a shop on the ground floor of his house wanted to travel to Russia to see his football heroes in person but ran short of money. 
 
"I had saved 60,000 rupees ($890) but it was not enough for the trip. I will now watch Argentina's games on TV and cheer for my favourite footballers."

The family has also made elaborate plans for Messi's birthday which will fall during the World Cup on June 24. 
 
"We will cut a cake and distribute T-shirts among kids with Messi's face embossed on them," said Patra, a father of two. 
 
Patra has even decorated the walls of each room in his house with life-size posters of Messi. 
 
India is currently ranked 97 in FIFA's rankings but that has not deterred football crazy fans from cheering for their favourite teams over the world. Especially, Kolkata which has an avid following of the sport.

Argentina launches their World Cup campaign against Iceland on Saturday in Moscow, with games to follow against Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. 
 
"I will be praying every day for Argentina's success. Nothing gives me more happiness than seeing them win on the field," said Patra.

Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy

A die-hard Argentina fan in Kolkata has painted his house in the team's blue and white colours ahead of the football World Cup, saying his love for Lionel Messi's men knows no bounds. Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy. "For me Messi is an extension of Maradona. Everyone in my family loves Messi. We love his behaviour, we love everything about him," Patra told AFP. Patra who sells tea from a shop on the ground floor of his house wanted to travel to Russia to see his football heroes in person but ran short of money. "I had saved 60,000 rupees ($890) but it was not enough for the trip. I will now watch Argentina's games on TV and cheer for my favourite footballers." The family has also made elaborate plans for Messi's birthday which will fall during the World Cup on June 24. "We will cut a cake and distribute T-shirts among kids with Messi's face embossed on them," said Patra, a father of two. Patra has even decorated the walls of each room in his house with life-size posters of Messi. India is currently ranked 97 in FIFA's rankings but that has not deterred football crazy fans from cheering for their favourite teams over the world. Especially, Kolkata which has an avid following of the sport. Argentina launches their World Cup campaign against Iceland on Saturday in Moscow, with games to follow against Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. "I will be praying every day for Argentina's success. Nothing gives me more happiness than seeing them win on the field," said Patra.

Messi's magic in India: Kolkata tea-seller paints home in Argentina colours

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Messi's magic in India: Kolkata tea-seller paints home in Argentina colours