Is the Messi Saga Over? Indian Fans Left Disappointed by Argentina's November Cancellations
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Synopsis
The excitement surrounding Argentina's visit to India has been dampened by the cancellation of Lionel Messi's trip to Kerala in November. This development has left fans disheartened, especially with a possible rescheduling to March 2026 amid political controversies. Will Indian fans get their long-awaited opportunity to see Messi play?
Key Takeaways
- Messi's trip to Kerala has been officially canceled.
- The Argentina Football Association cited logistical issues.
- Potential rescheduling to March 2026 is uncertain.
- This would have been Messi's first match in India in over a decade.
- Political controversies have emerged surrounding the announcement.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 25 (NationPress) The ongoing Messi predicament regarding Argentina’s anticipated trip to India has taken a new turn, as sponsors have confirmed that star footballer Lionel Messi and his team will not be visiting Kerala in November. This announcement followed the declaration from the Argentina Football Association (AFA) that the national team will only compete in Angola next month.
The news has doused weeks of enthusiasm among fans in India, who were eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the football G.O.A.T, with both the Kerala government and private sponsors planning a high-profile friendly match in Kochi on November 17.
Reports from Argentine media indicate that AFA officials cited Kerala’s “lack of readiness” and delays in logistical arrangements as reasons for the cancellation.
Organizers have indicated that the visit might be postponed to March 2026, raising once again concerns about the planning, coordination, and communication among involved parties.
A political controversy has emerged, with Congress leaders accusing the state government of announcing the event prematurely, without formal confirmation from the AFA.
This situation highlights a recurring issue in international sports engagements — the need to balance political appearances with procedural transparency.
For Indian fans, this setback is particularly disheartening, especially given the extensive local support for Argentina and Messi in Kerala and across the country.
This would have marked Messi’s first match in India since 2011, when he captained Argentina against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, a historic game that was his debut as national captain.
As the wait for Messi continues, so do Kerala’s aspirations for a historic football moment.
With March 2026 now being mentioned as the next possible date, it remains uncertain if this will be feasible, considering that during that period, Kerala and its political leadership will likely be focused on the upcoming Assembly elections, expected to take place in April or May.
Point of View
It's evident that the cancellation of Messi's visit reflects a broader challenge in international sports diplomacy. While the excitement among fans was palpable, the necessary logistics and political implications must be handled with care. It's crucial for all stakeholders to align their efforts to ensure that such high-profile events are executed seamlessly in the future.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Messi's visit to Kerala canceled?
The Argentina Football Association cited Kerala's 'lack of readiness' and logistical delays as reasons for the cancellation.
When was Messi's last match in India?
Messi's last match in India was in 2011 when he captained Argentina against Venezuela in Kolkata.
Is there a possibility of rescheduling Messi's visit?
Organizers have suggested that the visit may be rescheduled to March 2026.
What are the political implications surrounding this cancellation?
There are accusations against the state government for announcing the event prematurely, leading to political controversy.
How has this news affected fans in India?
Fans are understandably disappointed, as many were eagerly anticipating Messi's return to India after over a decade.
