Will Football Legend Messi Lead Argentina in Kerala?
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Synopsis
Excitement builds as Kerala's Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announces that Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team will visit in November. Amidst political skepticism and contract disputes, the government remains confident about hosting this iconic match. Will Messi's much-anticipated visit become a reality?
Key Takeaways
- Messi and Argentina team confirmed to visit Kerala in November.
- Government assures necessary security arrangements.
- Political skepticism arises from contract disputes with AFA.
- New sponsorship secured for the upcoming event.
- Messi's itinerary includes visits to multiple Indian cities.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 16 (NationPress) The Kerala Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, confirmed on Saturday that the Argentine football squad, featuring captain Lionel Messi, is set to visit Kerala in November for a highly anticipated match.
Last week, top Congress leaders, including state party president Sunny Joseph, expressed skepticism, urging Abdurahiman to clarify the situation following the excitement generated by Messi's potential visit.
In response, the Minister explained that Messi's itinerary includes other Indian states as part of a personal tour, which is not officially linked to the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
“As of now, the Argentine team has not indicated they will forgo Kerala. In fact, the government has received confirmation of their arrival in November. We have already requested essential security measures for the team,” stated the Minister.
Abdurahiman also addressed concerns that emerged after the initial sponsor withdrew from the event.
“The AFA has guaranteed that the November visit will proceed with a new sponsor. My recent trip to Spain was not solely to engage with AFA officials but also to explore the new stadium project in Thiruvananthapuram with Spain’s Sports Council,” he added.
Additionally, reports indicated that Messi is expected to arrive in Kolkata on the 12th, move to Ahmedabad on the 13th, participate in events in Mumbai on the 14th, and finish with a visit to Delhi on the 15th, where a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated.
While these conflicting announcements have caused some doubt, Kerala officials maintain their confidence that Messi and the Argentine team will reach the state in November, emphasizing the government’s proactive collaboration with the AFA.
In response to a recent AFA claim that the Kerala government breached contractual terms to host Messi and the Argentina team, the Congress party launched a fierce critique of the state administration.
Leandro Peterson, the AFA’s Head of Marketing, alleged that the agreement fell through due to the government's failure to uphold its commitments, but optimism has been rekindled following Abdurahiman's affirmation that the event will take place.
Point of View
We acknowledge the excitement surrounding Lionel Messi's potential visit to Kerala. The government's proactive efforts to secure this event reflect their commitment to sports and tourism. Nonetheless, transparency and accountability are crucial, especially amidst political critiques and contractual disputes with the AFA. The anticipation for Messi underscores the unifying power of sports in our nation.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Messi and the Argentina team arrive in Kerala?
Lionel Messi and the Argentina team are expected to arrive in Kerala in November.
Is Messi's visit confirmed by the Argentina Football Association?
Yes, the Minister has received confirmation about the team's arrival, despite earlier doubts.
What are the arrangements being made for the visit?
The Kerala government has requested necessary security arrangements for the Argentina team.
Why was there skepticism from the Congress party?
The Congress party expressed concerns after the AFA alleged that the Kerala government breached a contract.
What is the significance of Messi's visit?
Messi's visit is significant for promoting football and boosting tourism in Kerala.
