State Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed that the team will not be travelling to Kerala in October as previously expected.
Published Aug 04, 2025 | 7:52 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 04, 2025 | 7:52 PM
Messi. (Supplied)
In a major disappointment for football enthusiasts in Kerala, the proposed visit by Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team has been officially cancelled.
State Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed that the team will not be travelling to Kerala in October as previously expected.
The announcement ends weeks of anticipation among fans, following earlier statements by the minister suggesting that the reigning world champions would be visiting the state.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has now communicated to the Kerala government that the visit will not take place.
According to the minister, the cancellation is due to a conflict between the team’s schedule and the demands of its sponsors. While the team has prior commitments, the sponsors were only willing to support the trip if it happened in October.
Minister Abdurahiman had earlier taken to Facebook in June to declare that Messi and his team were scheduled to visit, adding to the public excitement.
