Kochi, April 2 (NationPress) Kerala's Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, on Thursday accused the national football team of Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, of deceiving the state by not fulfilling their commitment to a scheduled friendly match, despite significant financial backing.

'We engaged in thorough negotiations and exerted substantial effort to bring Lionel Messi and the world champions to Kerala. Securing sponsors for the ₹250 crores needed for the international team was a monumental task,' Abdurahiman stated to reporters in Malappuram, expressing his frustration over the failed arrangements.

This entire situation has ignited a significant controversy, with the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) questioning the transparency surrounding the deal. Last October, doubts about Argentina's highly publicized visit to India resurfaced when sponsors confirmed that Messi and his team would not travel to Kerala in November.

This clarification followed an announcement from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) that the national team would only be playing in Angola during that time. The news disappointed fans, as both the Kerala government and private sponsors had previously announced a prominent friendly match in Kochi on November 17.

According to reports from Argentine media, AFA officials pointed to Kerala's 'lack of readiness' and delays in finalizing logistical arrangements as reasons for the cancellation. A political dispute ensued, with Congress leaders accusing the state government of announcing the event prematurely without formal confirmation from the AFA.

Nevertheless, in November of last year, Minister Abdurahiman dismissed these claims, insisting that Messi would still play in India in March 2026.

'Just two days ago, we received an email from the AFA confirming their visit to Kerala in March,' he stated, adding that the match, originally set for November, was postponed due to infrastructure issues at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

His assertion was met with skepticism, as critics recalled the previous unfulfilled promise of Messi's visit.

In contrast, the developments in Kerala were markedly different from the 'Messi GOAT Tour 2025' that took place in December last year, which included confirmed appearances in Kolkata and Mumbai. Unlike the unresolved Kochi match, the tour featured a significant event at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium and fan interactions in Mumbai, marking Messi's return to these cities since his visit in 2011.

snj/bc