The anticipated visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national football team to Kerala has been canceled, dealing a blow to football fans in India. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed the news on August 4, ending widespread speculation. The Kerala government had previously announced plans to host the reigning world champions, potentially in October or November 2025, with Messi expected to lead the team. This announcement fueled significant excitement among fans, with many hoping to see Messi play in India. However, the event was called off due to scheduling issues. While a sponsor had already provided the required match fee, the Argentine team cited difficulties with visiting in October. The sponsor’s insistence on an October match window led to the cancellation. Minister Abdurahiman hasn’t ruled out a possible rescheduling, suggesting a potential visit in the future if mutually agreeable terms can be reached. The Kerala government had planned to cover all expenses related to the visit, including accommodation and security.
