Lionel Messi’s Kerala visit has been cancelled (Image Credit - X)
After nearly three years of planning and excitement, Kerala’s ambitious attempt to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team to the state has collapsed. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has accused the Kerala government of breaching the contract, resulting in the cancellation of the much-anticipated 2025 visit. With Rs 130 crore reportedly already paid, the fallout has left fans heartbroken and officials pointing fingers.
Kerala’s Messi dream kicked off just days after Argentina’s World Cup win in December 2022. The state’s Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, extended an official invitation to the AFA, praising Argentina’s global impact and Kerala’s football frenzy. By January 2024, Argentina had formally accepted, and talks advanced to include friendlies, youth training programs, and even AFA-backed football academies. A Kerala delegation later visited Madrid in September 2024 to finalise logistics, with discussions extending to sports infrastructure and high-performance training.
In December 2024, a formal contract was signed with the AFA, and by June 2025, the Reporter Broadcasting Company, Kerala’s commercial partner, transferred Rs 130 crore to Argentina. The match was slated for October or November 2025 in Kochi, expected to be a landmark moment for Indian football. However, in August 2025, Sports Minister Abdurahiman confirmed on August 04 that the visit was cancelled, citing “scheduling issues.” The AFA, however, blames Kerala for breaching contractual terms.
With months of planning and massive funds already committed, the Reporter Broadcasting Company has warned of possible legal action against the AFA. Fans across Kerala are dismayed, not just at the cancellation, but at the lack of transparency. Whether this saga leads to a courtroom or reconciliation remains to be seen, however for now, the final whistle has blown on what could have been one of the biggest football events in Indian history.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
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