The Minister of Sport Keral in Abdurahiman on Saturday 6th June reaffirmed that the national football team of Argentina, led by the global icon Lionel Messi, is actually visiting the state. Keral’s government previously announced in 2024 that it was providing a friendly game for Argentina.
However, the game did not update even after 6 months. The Minister confirmed on Saturday that the sponsor of the event has now paid the required fee for the match and cleaned the way for a highly expected visit.
According to the minister, the team is expected to arrive from October to November this year. They will be treated as state guests, while the Kerala government ensures their safety, accommodation and other necessary measures.
This announcement again hopes among football fans in the state, after earlier media reports that claimed that Argentina had canceled the tour for alleged breach of the sponsor contract. Both Minister Abdurahiman and Sponsor, Report Broadcasting Society, have denied these claims and claimed that the World Cup champions will play a friendly match in Kerala as planned.
The Minister ruled public excitement on Friday through a short Facebook post, saying, “Messi will come” and thanked the sponsor for allowing the event.
Abdurahiman acknowledged on Saturday on Saturday that there was a delay in paying the match fee, but he said that the problem has been resolved since then.
“The sponsor has now paid the amount. There are no remaining obstacles. According to the FIFA window, in October-List November is the ideal time for these international friendships. So this time frame is probably for us too,” he said.
By agreement between the sponsor and Argentina Football Association (AFA), the team will confirm the tour and publish more details in the joint statement as soon as the payment has been officially processed.
He answered questions and the Minister explained that the financial aspects of the agreement are only between sponsor and AFA.
“The government did not participate in the financial negotiations. The contract is completely between the sponsor and team management. The sponsor we were informed that the match fee was settled,” he explained.
A friendly match is expected to be hosted at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, which meets global standards for such important events.
Abdurahiman stressed that the main objective of the state government is to bring fresh energy to the sports sector of Kerala by hosting the world champions and inspiring youth.
Published:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
June 7, 2025
