Lionel Messi-led Argentina's match in Kerala cancelled? Here is what state sports minister said

Amid reports that Argentina and Lionel Messi would not be playing the two international friendlies in Kerala in 2025 as previously announced, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman responded to media inquiries with ambiguous statements—neither confirming the matches nor admitting they had been cancelled.

This comes after the same minister had repeatedly asserted that Argentina’s national football team and the legendary Messi would arrive in Kerala in October. A ministerial delegation had even travelled to Spain to formally invite the team. In November 2024, Abdurahiman announced that the friendlies would be organised jointly by the Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants’ Association and the business community, adding that the state government would retain full control over the event.

However, the original sponsors reportedly withdrew due to delays in securing approval from the Reserve Bank of India. A private television channel was later brought on board as the new sponsor, and agreements were signed. Earlier this year, the minister publicly declared that Messi would be in Kerala from October 25 to November 2 and would also make a 20-minute appearance at a public event to meet fans. In March, he informed the Legislative Assembly that all necessary approvals from both the Reserve Bank and the Union Sports Ministry had been obtained.

But reportedly Argentina’s fixture for October does not include India.

The minister distanced the government from the controversy, stating: “It’s not the government bringing Messi, it’s the sponsor. The government doesn’t have the money.”

Meanwhile, Congress leaders have accused the LDF government of attempting to derive political mileage from the proposed visit, capitalising on Kerala’s deep-rooted fan base for Argentina and Latin American football.

Interestingly, Abdurahiman has not given up hope. He maintains that a contract has been signed between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the sponsor, and that the main issue is a delay in payments.

Even if Messi and the team do eventually visit Kerala, logistical concerns remain—especially regarding where the matches would be held. Kerala currently has only one FIFA-standard turf: and that is in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, built under FIFA supervision for the U-17 World Cup in 2017. This is also the home ground of the Indian Super League team, Kerala Blasters.

Safety concerns at the stadium have resurfaced following the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) recent decision to withhold Kerala Blasters FC’s club license, citing the venue’s failure to meet safety standards.

Navas Meeran, president of the Kerala Football Association, voiced concerns about the commercial structures within the stadium complex. “Obviously, it would become a question mark. Because last time, when the U-17 FIFA World Cup happened, we were forced to shut down these shops,” he said, adding that the venue is not currently fit for international friendlies.

For Argentina to play at any venue, AFA officials typically inspect the turf and stadium facilities months in advance, and only grant clearance if all standards are met.

Earlier, Minister Abdurahiman had even declared that a new stadium would be built for Messi’s visit—but experts say constructing a FIFA-compliant facility would take years.

Back in 2011, when Messi last played in India, the match was held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Now, with even basic infrastructure in question, many experts believe it remains to be seen whether Kerala’s ambitious bid to host Messi and the Argentine team will ever materialise.

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