(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer.)
BUENOS AIRES – Legendary forward and captain of Argentina football team Lionel Messi has decided to launch the Argentina Tehrik-e-Insaf (ATI) after initiating his anti-corruption movement in the recently concluded Copa America.
Messi, who accused the tournament referees of corruption and of being biased in favor of Brazil following Argentina’s defeat in the semifinals, has said that his stand during the tournament was the formal launch of the much needed accountability drive in South America.
“This accountability drive will be extended to my political rivals, when I eventually become the president of Argentina,” Messi said during an exclusive interview with The Dependent.
The football star has revealed that once he hangs up his boots, he plans to create a hospital and then formally launch the Argentina Tehrik-e-Insaf.
“That seems to be a successful template for sportspersons aspiring to be politicians,” the Argentinean skipper said.
However, analysts maintain that for Messi’s template to be successful he would need a World Cup win as well.
“I don’t think the Argentina Tehrik-e-Insaf can come to power if Messi doesn’t win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Maybe the Copa America next year could help, but it’s hard to see Messi’s anti-corruption drive being successful without a World Cup,” said sports analyst Alan Wilkins.
Meanwhile, sources close to Messi reveal that should the ATI project fail, he might consider relaunching the accountability drive under a different banner.
“He always has the option of Barcelona Tehrik-e-Insaf, with Xavi and Iniesta as the General Secretary and Vice President,” said former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who is currently in-charge of Manchester City.