Lionel Messi coming to India? Kerala minister provides big update
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Saturday, June 6, reaffirmed that the Argentina national football team, led by global icon Lionel Messi, will indeed visit the state. Kerala government had previously announced in 2024 that they are arranging a friendly game for Argentina.However, there was not update about the game even after 6 months. The minister on Saturday, confirmed that the event's sponsor has now paid the required match fee, clearing the way for the highly anticipated visit.advertisementAccording to the minister, the team is expected to arrive between October and November this year. They will be treated as state guests, with the Kerala government providing for their security, accommodation, and other necessary arrangements.
This announcement rekindles hope among football fans in the state, following earlier media reports that claimed Argentina had cancelled the tour due to alleged breaches of contract by the sponsor. Both Minister Abdurahiman and the sponsor, Reporter Broadcasting Company, had denied those claims, maintaining that the World Cup champions would play a friendly match in Kerala as planned.The minister reignited public excitement on Friday through a brief Facebook post stating, 'Messi will come,' and thanked the sponsor for making the event possible.Speaking to the media on Saturday, Abdurahiman acknowledged there had been a delay in the payment of the match fee but said the issue had since been resolved.advertisement"The sponsor has now paid the amount. There are no remaining obstacles. As per the FIFA window, October-November is the ideal period for such international friendlies. So that timeframe is likely for us as well," he said.According to the agreement between the sponsor and the Argentina Football Association (AFA), the team will confirm the tour and release further details in a joint statement once the payment is officially processed.Responding to questions, the minister clarified that the financial aspects of the deal are solely between the sponsor and AFA.'The government has no involvement in the financial dealings. The contract is entirely between the sponsor and the team management. We were informed by the sponsor that the match fee has been settled,' he explained.The friendly match is expected to be hosted at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, which meets global standards for such high-profile events.Abdurahiman emphasised that the state government's main objective is to bring fresh energy to Kerala's sports sector by hosting the world champions and inspiring the youth.Trending Reel
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