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No hilsa for Messi

Sakeb Subhan
A visit to the city's oldest 5-star hotel, the newly named Ruposhi Bangla, will tell you what is about to happen today. A cardboard cut-out of the Argentina team graces the main entrance to the hotel and decorative lighting covers the whole complex, in honour of the monstrously popular Argentina football team, who will stay at the hotel prior to their FIFA friendly against Nigeria at the Bangabandhu National Stadium tomorrow.
Measures to welcome their world famous guests are impressive given that Argentina's stay at the hotel was only confirmed one day before the Eid holidays.
“We were informed of their arrival a day before the Eid vacations, so it was a bit of a rush to get everything ready for their arrival,” said Shahidus Sadeque, Marketing Communications Manager at Ruposhi Bangla, adding that they were confident of their ability to handle such WIP guests. "We are excited about their visit, and are confident that, as the country's oldest 5-star hotel, we will be
able to entertain such high-profile guests. During the cricket World Cup earlier this year we hosted international teams, so it should not be a problem.”
The entire Argentina entourage — with players, management team, support staff and journalists -- total in excess of 40 persons. They are scheduled to land at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:50 am today, and Ruposhi Bangla will be ready to receive the Albicelestes at 11:30 am.
The former world champions will first be received by 10 Bangladeshi women footballers, and then by the hotel management. Ladies of the hotel staff will be decked out in traditional Bangladeshi dress, and together with traditionally attired children will shower flower petals on the Argentine team as they enter the hotel.
The ninth and tenth floors of Ruposhi Bangla have been dedicated to the Argentina team, while the eleventh floor venue, 'Top of the Park' has been converted into a dining area exclusively for the Argentineans. These floors have been given a distinct Argentina feel, with framed photos of the team's triumphs lining the wall.
Those interested in learning how Messi will enjoy traditional Bangladeshi cuisine will be disappointed to know that the Argentines will only be enjoying a pre-set menu determined before their arrival.
"People have often asked me why we aren't serving traditional dishes like ilish maach and pitha, but the reality is that they (Argentina) are a professional football team and have specific demands according to what is most healthy for them to maintain their performance,” explained Sadeque. "We were in contact with the management and they fixed a menu of Italian and Spanish cuisine for the team."
So, instead of fried hilsa, Messi and his team will be treated to the likes of Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce, Grilled Beef Steak and Baked Potato.