The FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks off in India on Friday, with the host nation taking on the USA in New Delhi, and the team’s spirits have been boosted by a message from one of the country’s biggest sports stars.

India cricket captain Virat Kohli made sure to wish the host team’s young stars as they gear up for an unlikely shot at glory.

Kohli is an ardent football fan and has been actively involved with the sport in the country. The cricket star is a co-owner of Indian Super League side FC Goa and was a brand ambassador for the first season of Premier Futsal.

It’s the first time India have hosted a FIFA event, and fans in the country are hoping their team can use home support to make a long run in the competition, while India’s football federation, the AIFF, is looking to use this tournament as a springboard to bid for the U-20 World Cup and the Club World Cup.

In the meantime, there’s no doubt that the team itself has a star-studded fan base, with Kohli leading the charge.