Annanad, Thrissur: Team spirit shone beyond the pitch as women footballers at a residential training camp in Aarangali in Thrissur joined together to create an impressive tribute to football legend Lionel Messi — a giant mosaic made entirely out of football jerseys.

The 350-square-foot artwork, crafted using 500 jerseys, was part of the HER Camp organised by the ISV Football Academy, affiliated with the Innuneeli Memorial Library in Chalakudy. The installation was not just a celebration of Messi's legacy, but also a warm gesture welcoming the Argentine star and his team to Kerala, amid hopes that he may visit the state.

The creative initiative was led by Fine Arts College students Lijoy and Sharon, with active participation from the women footballers attending the camp. The project was guided by former national women's footballer CV Seena, alongside a team of supporters.

Women players Jis Maria, A.S. Hridhya, and Anvaya Sangeeth were among those who played a key role in executing the mosaic.

The ISV Football Academy currently trains 107 young footballers, of whom 80 are attending the ongoing residential camp. As part of the camp’s closing events, a friendly football match was held under the leadership of the women players.

The concluding ceremony was inaugurated by PC Ayyappan, Vice President of the local Gram Panchayat.