📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Kris Sreekandath
Sports
Kerala Declares Holiday for World Cup Final Amid Messi Mania
✍️ livemint.com
🗓 19 Jul 2026, 02:48 PM
👁 11
The Kerala government announced a public holiday on 18 December for the FIFA World Cup final, prompting schools and colleges to close and sparking a wave of Messi-themed memes across social media.
On Thursday, the Kerala government declared a state holiday for 18 December to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France. The decision was announced by the Chief Minister’s office, citing the national excitement surrounding the match and the popularity of Argentine star Lionel Messi.
As a result, all government schools, colleges, and many private institutions suspended classes for the day. The move was welcomed by students and fans who expressed their enthusiasm on various social media platforms.
The announcement triggered a surge of memes and fan art featuring Messi, with many users sharing creative content celebrating the football event. The Kerala government’s decision is part of a broader trend of states granting holidays for major sporting events.
Officials noted that the holiday would not affect essential services, and emergency services remained operational throughout the day.
As a result, all government schools, colleges, and many private institutions suspended classes for the day. The move was welcomed by students and fans who expressed their enthusiasm on various social media platforms.
The announcement triggered a surge of memes and fan art featuring Messi, with many users sharing creative content celebrating the football event. The Kerala government’s decision is part of a broader trend of states granting holidays for major sporting events.
Officials noted that the holiday would not affect essential services, and emergency services remained operational throughout the day.