Kerala Government’s commercial partner- the Reporter Broadcasting Company has threatened legal action against Argentine Football Association if Lionel Messi-led Argentina don't visit India after reportedly spending ₹130 crore. In a disappointment news for the football fanatics in India, recent reports claim Messi will not be visiting Kerala due to the Argentinian team's scheduling.
Earlier the State Government had confidently stated that reigning football world champions, led by Messi, will make an appearance in Kerala, with the timeline likely to be between October and November 2025. With the sport and the Argentinian legend garnering a massive fan following in India, their dream of watching the veteran play live has been visibly crushed.
With the company reportedly confirming that they have paid ₹130 crore to AFA on June 6 according to the agreement in December 2024, Anto Augustine said it was unacceptable to have the match in September 2026. He said, as quoted by Onmanorama:
"As per the agreement, we had sent the full amount and they (AFA) also acknowledged it. But after five days, we received an email asking whether we are okay with having the match in September 2026
"That violates the terms of the agreement we have with the AFA. We are not okay with it. As per our agreement with the AFA, the deal was to have the match in October-November this year. They had even told us that the match can be held in October and we had fulfilled all the terms as per the agreement."
"The Argentine team informed us that they were facing difficulties making the visit in October" - Kerala Sports Minister
Meanwhile, Kerala's Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman had told reporters, as quoted by News24:
"The Argentine team informed us that they were facing difficulties making the visit in October. However, the sponsor made it clear that they were only interested in hosting the match in October – not at any other time."
Messi is currently playing for Inter Miami.
