For horse handler Mohammad Shahin Alam, the world’s longest sea beach is not only a workplace but also a place where he expresses his passion for football.
A devoted supporter of Argentina, the reigning world champions, he has named his favourite horse “Messi” after his football idol, Lionel Messi.
Speaking at Laboni Point on Cox’s Bazar beach, Shahin said he had supported Argentina since childhood.
“I have been an Argentina fan ever since I started following football. My favourite player is Lionel Messi, so I named my horse after him,” he said.
According to Shahin, he purchased the horse in 2020 for Tk 70,000 and immediately named it “Messi.”
Jokingly, he added, “My horse supports Argentina too.”
The beach horseman remains optimistic about the future of his favourite team and believes Argentina can continue its success on the international stage.
Shahin said he spends around Tk 500 a day on the horse’s feed, which mainly consists of chickpeas, bran, and grass.
Despite the costs, the horse remains an important source of income. By offering horse rides to tourists along the beach, he earns between Tk 1,000 and Tk 2,000 on a typical day, he said.
Horse riding remains one of the most popular recreational activities at Laboni Point, where tourists regularly gather to enjoy the sea breeze and the scenic coastline.
Amid the bustle of the beach, Shahin’s horse, ‘Messi,’ has become more than just a means of earning a living.
For its owner, it represents a lifelong admiration for Argentina and the legendary footballer whose name continues to motivate fans around the world.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
