Did Rs 13 lakh by Kerala government to invite Messi Go to Waste?
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Synopsis
Uncovering the truth behind the Kerala government's extravagant spending to lure Lionel Messi has left many in disbelief. What was meant as a grand gesture has turned into a political controversy, revealing hidden expenses and raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala government spent Rs 13 lakh to invite Messi.
- Claims of no public expenditure were proven false.
- Argentina's national team declined the invitation due to travel issues.
- The Minister’s earlier statements contradict current findings.
- This situation has political implications with upcoming elections.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Kerala government's assertion that inviting football icon Lionel Messi would not incur any public expenditure has been revealed to be false. Recent findings indicate that the state government allocated Rs 13 lakh for Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman's trip to Spain in September 2024, purportedly to extend an invitation to Messi to come to Kerala. Accompanying him were the Sports Department Secretary and the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs.
This development stands in stark contrast to Minister Abdurahiman's prior declaration that inviting Messi would not cost the government “even a single rupee.”
Earlier this week, Abdurahiman confirmed that Argentina's national football team, led by Messi, would not be making an appearance in Kerala. The team cited challenges in traveling to the state in October — the sole month the sponsor was prepared to host the event.
Previously, Abdurahiman had asserted that the team was expected to visit in October or November and would be hosted as state guests, with the government responsible for their security, accommodation, and other arrangements.
In the football-enthusiastic districts of Malappuram and Kozhikode, Argentina's national team enjoys significant support, a sentiment that intensified after Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Minister, hailing from Malappuram, had been vigorously pursuing the goal of bringing Messi to Kerala.
Sources suggest that one of the political motivations behind the government's efforts was the upcoming local body elections in December and assembly elections scheduled for April-May next year, where 140 members to the Kerala Legislative Assembly will be elected.
The revelation of this apparent misrepresentation by the Minister has empowered the opposition, with both the Congress-led UDF and BJP-led NDA accusing the Pinarayi Vijayan government of engaging in publicity stunts and misleading the public.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this situation from a place of integrity and transparency. The Kerala government's misrepresentation regarding public expenditure raises critical questions about accountability and the ethical use of state funds, especially in light of upcoming elections. It is vital for the public to be informed about the truth behind such assertions.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the Kerala government spend to invite Messi?
The Kerala government spent Rs 13 lakh on the trip to invite Messi.
What was the government's claim regarding public money?
The government claimed that no public money would be spent to invite Messi, which has been proven misleading.
Why did Argentina's team decline the invitation?
Argentina's team cited travel difficulties in October, the only month the sponsor was willing to host the event.
What are the political implications of this situation?
The situation has provided ammunition for opposition parties, who are accusing the government of misleading the public ahead of upcoming elections.
What is the public sentiment regarding Messi's potential visit?
The public in Malappuram and Kozhikode, known for their football enthusiasm, were very supportive of Messi's potential visit.
