Kerala is abuzz with excitement after State Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman reignited speculation about a potential visit by football icon Lionel Messi. A brief but loaded Facebook post—“Messi is coming”—has sent fans into a frenzy, though there is still no official word on dates, venues, or fixtures.
According to reports, discussions are underway between the Kerala government and the Argentine Football Association (AFA). While negotiations are reportedly progressing, the visit depends on meeting specific terms outlined by the AFA. A formal announcement is expected only once all conditions are settled. Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
October’s FIFA international match windows—6th to 14th and 10th to 18th—are being explored for hosting a possible friendly. Should the plan come to fruition, it would mark Messi’s first-ever appearance on an Indian pitch.
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This isn’t the first time anticipation has built around Argentina’s visit. Earlier in the year, the Kerala government floated plans for multiple friendlies involving the World Cup champions. However, the excitement waned when Argentina’s official fixture list for 2025 excluded India, leading to a cloud of confusion among fans and stakeholders.
Initial arrangements suggested matches between October 25 and November 2, but these faced financial setbacks. The original sponsor—the Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants’ Association—reportedly backed out due to the soaring budget, which crossed Rs 130 crore, as per a report on India Today. Subsequently, Reporter Broadcasting Company stepped in, and according to Minister Abdurahiman, the company has met all financial commitments, including the initial TDS payment.
Despite the renewed buzz, many are approaching the news with tempered expectations, recalling how past announcements have fizzled out. Until concrete details emerge, Messi’s possible appearance in Kerala remains a dream in progress—but one that fans across the nation are still hoping will become reality.