Will Football Legend Messi Lead Argentina's Team in Kerala?
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Synopsis
Excitement builds as Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirms that the Argentina football team, featuring superstar Lionel Messi, will arrive in Kerala this November for a thrilling match. Amid political scrutiny and sponsorship concerns, the hope for this iconic event remains strong.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi will lead the Argentina team to Kerala in November.
- The visit is part of a personal tour, not officially linked to AFA.
- Security arrangements for the team have been requested.
- Political criticism arose over contractual obligations.
- Optimism remains about the match's success.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 16 (NationPress) The Sports Minister of Kerala, V. Abdurahiman, confirmed on Saturday that the Argentina national football team, featuring captain Lionel Messi, is scheduled to arrive in Kerala this November for a highly anticipated match.
Last week, some Congress leadership, including state party head Sunny Joseph, criticized Abdurahiman, demanding clarity about Messi's visit.
In response, the Minister emphasized that Messi's itinerary in India includes personal events and is not officially linked to the Argentina Football Association (AFA).
“The Argentina team has not indicated any intention to miss Kerala. On the contrary, we have been notified of their arrival in November, and we have already requested necessary security arrangements,” the Minister stated.
Abdurahiman also addressed concerns stemming from the withdrawal of an initial sponsor.
“The AFA has confirmed that the visit will proceed in November with a new sponsor. My trip to Spain wasn’t only for AFA discussions but also to talk about the new stadium project in Thiruvananthapuram with Spain’s Sports Council,” he added.
Reports this week indicated that Messi is set to arrive in Kolkata on the 12th, visit Ahmedabad on the 13th, participate in events in Mumbai on the 14th, and conclude his trip with a meeting in Delhi on the 15th with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This conflicting information has stirred uncertainty, yet Kerala officials remain optimistic about Messi and the Argentina team’s presence in the state in November, highlighting the government’s effective communication with the AFA.
The Congress party in Kerala has vocally criticized the state government following AFA claims that contractual obligations to secure Messi's visit were not met.
Leandro Peterson, the AFA’s Head of Marketing, alleged that the agreement fell through due to the Kerala government’s failure to fulfill its commitments, but renewed hope has emerged with Abdurahiman’s confirmation that the event is indeed happening.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Lionel Messi's visit to Kerala. This event not only promises to elevate the profile of football in India but also reflects the broader cultural exchange between nations. While political discourse may cloud the narrative, the focus should remain on the positive impact of such high-profile events on local communities and sports development.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Messi expected to arrive in Kerala?
Lionel Messi and the Argentina team are expected to arrive in Kerala in November for a football match.
Is Messi's visit officially connected to the AFA?
No, Messi's travel plans in India are part of a personal tour and not officially linked to the Argentina Football Association.
What security arrangements are being made for the event?
The Kerala government has already requested necessary security arrangements for the Argentina team's arrival.
What were the concerns raised by the Congress party?
The Congress party criticized the state government for allegedly breaching a contract with the AFA regarding Messi's visit.
Will the match still take place despite sponsorship issues?
Yes, the AFA has assured that the match will take place in November with a new sponsor.
