Kerala’s Messi Dream Ends in Heartbreak

Lionel Messi in a vibrant modern art style, imagined in Kerala’s football-inspired atmosphere with cheering fans, symbolizing the anticipated but cancelled Messi Kerala tour. Imagined vibrant artwork of Lionel Messi in Kerala, reflecting the excitement and heartbreak over the cancelled Kerala Messi tour.

Kerala had been counting down the days to see Lionel Messi and Argentina’s World Cup-winning team live in action. For a state where football is almost a religion and Messi is adored like a local icon, the announcement of a Kerala tour felt like a once-in-a-lifetime gift. But after more than a year of preparations, negotiations, and huge financial commitments, the dream has ended in bitter disappointment. At least for now.

The Dream Takes Shape

The story began in December 2022, just days after Argentina lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman wrote a congratulations letter to the Argentine Football Association (AFA), inviting the champions to visit the football-crazy state. Kerala’s enthusiastic support for Argentina during the World Cup drew the attention of football fans throughout the world, with streets packed up in blue and white flags and enormous Messi cut-outs dominating local news.

By January 2024, things looked promising. After several virtual meetings, the AFA accepted the invitation. Plans were ambitious: two friendly matches, a training camp, and football programs for over 5,000 children. This wasn’t just about entertainment, it was billed as a historic sporting and cultural exchange.



Big Commitments and Bigger Risks

In September 2024, Minister Abdurahiman led a delegation to Spain, spending ₹13 lakh in government funds to meet AFA officials and members of Spain’s Higher Sports Council. Three months later, in December 2024, the AFA signed an agreement with Reporter Broadcasting Company, Kerala’s commercial partner for the event.

On June 6, 2025, Reporter Broadcasting transferred ₹130 crore to the AFA with Reserve Bank of India approval, the largest payment ever made for a football event in India. The plan was to host the matches in October 2025, and excitement in Kerala reached fever pitch.

The Sudden Collapse

That excitement came crashing down on August 4, 2025, when Minister Abdurahiman called a press conference to confirm the unthinkable: Argentina would not be coming. The official reason? “Scheduling difficulties” in October. The announcement left fans stunned and raised serious questions about how such a high-profile deal could fall apart so late.

Just five days later, the situation became even messier. On August 9, AFA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Leandro Petersen, claimed that it was Kerala, not Argentina, that had breached the agreement. His statement contradicted the minister’s version, sparking a public blame game.

Pointing Fingers

Minister Abdurahiman quickly rejected AFA’s claims, calling them “baseless” and insisting there was no direct agreement between the Kerala government and AFA — only between AFA and the private sponsor. Reporter Broadcasting, meanwhile, faced a staggering ₹130 crore loss and threatened legal action against AFA.

The collapse has left deep scars:

  • Financial Damage: A combined loss of ₹130.13 crore (₹130 crore from the sponsor and ₹13 lakh in government expenses).
  • Legal Battles: Reporter Broadcasting is preparing for an international legal fight against AFA.
  • Fan Disappointment: Millions of supporters in Kerala feel let down, especially after months of anticipation.

A Glimmer of Hope

According to recent reports, a different group of sponsors is already in talks to bring Messi and Argentina to India in late 2025 or early 2026. These plans are separate from the Kerala deal, and early indications suggest that if confirmed, matches could be hosted in multiple Indian cities.



For Kerala’s Messi fans, this means there’s still hope, but it also means they’ll need to wait a little longer. If the new talks succeed, it could still be the first time the Argentine legend steps onto Indian soil in an official match.

The Final Whistle

The Kerala–Messi saga will be remembered as one of the most ambitious yet ill-fated sporting projects in the state’s history. It had all the elements of a dream, a football icon, a state’s undying passion, record-breaking investments, but ended in a storm of accusations and losses.

Whether Messi plays in India in 2025 or 2026 will now depend on the success of new negotiations.

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