It was an unexpected gift for the early Onam for football fans in Kerala after confirmed the Minister of Sports V. Abdurahiman on Saturday that the Argentine football legend Lionel Messi would actually come to the state with his World Cup team in November.
The fact that the announcement came only a few weeks after Mr. Abdurahiman said that the Argentine team would probably not be a tour on tour to make it double sweet.
Ahammed Salih of Malappuram Argentina WhatsApp Koottayma was enthusiastic after the announcement, although due to previous uncertainty he persisted a hint of doubt. “We are planning a friendly match with Mark Messi’s arrival and a procession will be organized if permit is allowed.
Clarity after confusion
Initially, the fans were disappointed when an itinerary published by Argentina Football Federation (AFA) did not include closure in Kerala, unlike the announcement of Mr. Abdurahiman last November, that the Argentine national team with Messi will play two exhibition matches against Japan and Qatar in Kerala in 2025.
The guilt was then included in the Kochi Society, which Mr. Abdurahiman stated that he had an agreement with AFA and was responsible for measures.
In June, however, Mr. Abdurahiman ruled the hope of Facebook “Messi’s Facebook is approaching”, which in August downloaded again and accused AFA for alleged support from the promise to visit Keral in October after the payment.
R. Yedhukrishhnan, a member of the Executive Committee of Penya del Barça, the official club of supporters of the Spanish football giant FC Barcelona, long felt that Messi’s visit was unrealistic. “It is a dream for millions for which Messi is like God, and the event will attract unprecedented public participation. The Club of our supporters certainly plans something that will have the opportunity,” he said.
Former India International and football legend im Vijayan described Messi’s impending arrival as the biggest event that inspires thousands of children to accept the sport and fulfill the dream for millions of fans in Kerala.
He remembered the event in Delhi, which he attended shortly after the victory at the Argentina World Championship, where the Argentine jersey was presented by Argentine football as a recognition of the passionate support of the team.
Read more
Published – August 23 2025 9:32
