Why Lionel Messi's Argentina visit to Kerala has been cancelled? Real reason revealed

The La Albiceleste were expected to visit Kerala in October.

State Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced on Monday that the renowned Lionel Messi-led Argentina national football squad would not be travelling to Kerala.

The Minister had previously maintained that the sponsor was already covering the match cost and that the Messi-led La Albiceleste team would go to the State as the Kerala government had said.

When the foreign team told the media on Monday that they were having trouble visiting the State in October of this year, the sponsor said, “we are interested only in a visit in October.”

Argentina cancels plans to visit Kerala, confirms V. Abdurahiman

“The agreement was made almost six months ago, and we were awaiting clearances from the finance department, Reserve Bank of India, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs. After that, we successfully transferred the funds. Last week, we received the communication indicating the postponement,” the minister said.

Mr. Abdurahiman had previously stated that the team would most likely arrive in October or November of this year and that they were to be welcomed like State guests, with the government providing them with security, lodging, and other amenities.

AFA has breached the agreement: V. Abdurahiman

While the Argentina Football Association has expressed willingness to consider the March 2026 window, the state government has decided not to accept that arrangement, the minister said.

“What we agreed for was a match here in 2025. But in a recent communication, the AFA has breached the agreement,” Abdurahiman told TNIE.

He added that the Argentine Football Association has been formally informed by the state administration that a 2026 timeframe is unacceptable.

“If we face any financial loss in this deal, they (AFA) will be liable to give a compensation,” the minister said. 

Abdurahiman first declared in November 2024 that the world champions would visit Kerala in October 2025 for two international friendlies.

However, rumours from May of this year stated that Argentina had consented to play games in China during the October window. The minister “confirmed” in June that Messi and his team will be travelling to the southern part of India this year, “positively” ending the rumours.

There are significant signs that the AFA will not reimburse the sponsor’s first instalment of the contract price, which further fuels the debate. According to reports, the Argentine association claims that the other party bears the burden of proof because there was a breach of contract.

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