In a major boost to Indian football fans—particularly in Kerala—State Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has reaffirmed that the Argentina national football team along with Lionel Messi to visit Kerala state later this year.
The long-speculated and much-hoped-for event appears to be back on track, after several reports had claimed the tour was cancelled.
The official match fee has supposedly already been paid by the event’s sponsor, Reporter Broadcasting Company, ensuring that preparations are progressing.
For football lovers in India—and especially in Kerala, where the sport remains a cultural pillar—this news revives a dream that had appeared to fade. Rumours surrounding the tour’s cancellation had begun circulating widely in recent weeks, leading to growing disappointment. Various media reports cited logistical and contractual issues as the reason for the supposed cancellation, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.
However, both Abdurahiman and the event’s sponsor categorically denied these claims. The minister even took to social media on Friday to post a brief but powerful message on Facebook: “Messi will come.” That three-word declaration has since sparked renewed excitement among supporters across the country.
Kerala, often referred to as one of the last bastions of grassroots football in India, has long awaited such a high-profile international football event. From the FIFA World Cup screenings that draw thousands in local stadiums to age-old football rivalries in towns like Malappuram and Kozhikode, Kerala has a deep and enduring love for the game.
Bringing a global icon like Messi to play in the state would not only be a landmark sporting moment but also a symbolic reward for the region’s undying football passion.
Although details such as the venue, ticketing, and opposition for the Argentina team are yet to be officially announced, the confirmation from the state’s top sports official provides a strong indication that planning is in advanced stages. The government’s support also adds a layer of logistical confidence to the ambitious project.
Should this visit materialise, it would mark one of the most significant football events in Indian history. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, remains a colossal figure in world sport. His presence in India—where football is rapidly growing in popularity—could help galvanise further interest, especially among younger audiences.
For now, Kerala waits with renewed hope, as the countdown unofficially begins for Lionel Messi’s long-anticipated arrival on Indian soil.
