Will Football Fans in Kerala Ever See Messi Play Live?

The dreams of thousands of passionate football fans in Kerala, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness Argentine legend Lionel Messi in action, face an uncertain future. Following the initial announcement that Messi would feature in two exhibition matches in the state in 2025, recent developments from the Argentina Football Federation suggest this dream may be slipping away.

Kerala, renowned for its fervent support of football, particularly of Latin American powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil, was awash with excitement after Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman’s announcement in November 2024. The minister confidently proclaimed that the Argentina national team would visit Kerala for friendly matches, with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi as the likely venue.

The optimism surrounding the announcement was palpable, as local fans prepared fervently for the occasion. However, the recent statement from Minister Abdurahiman, outlining that the government was yet to receive official communication from the Argentina Football Federation, has dashed hopes. The situation appeared muddled, as the minister suggested that delays in sponsorship funds and unconfirmed agreements were causes for concern.

Ahammed Salih, a member of the Malappuram Argentina WhatsApp Koottayma, expressed his dismay, stating, "We had mounted a flex welcoming our icon as soon as the Minister made the announcement. We strongly condemn the cancellation of the plan and will launch a social media protest against the Minister." This sentiment echoes across Kerala, where disappointment is rife.

The journey towards hosting such a prestigious team has not been straightforward. Originally, the sponsorship for the matches was in jeopardy due to issues related to approvals from the Reserve Bank of India. Subsequent difficulties with securing new sponsors have only added to the complications. With only one FIFA standard venue available and safety concerns regarding the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium raised again, logistical hurdles continue to plague the proposed matches.

Despite this turmoil, Minister Abdurahiman remains steadfast in his belief that the matches will occur, stating that the onus lies on the sponsors rather than the government. "It's not the government bringing Messi, it’s the sponsor. The government doesn’t have the money," he explained. This revelation has sparked further debate regarding the responsibility of the state government in facilitating such events and the potential political motives behind the initial announcements.

The unyielding enthusiasm of the fans, however, may not wane easily. The potential of Messi’s presence promises to elevate Kerala’s football culture significantly. Abdurahiman has not given up hope entirely, mentioning the existence of signed contracts with sponsors despite the recent turmoil. While he remains optimistic, many experts question whether the infrastructure and sponsorship issues can be resolved in time.

Ultimately, the prospect of witnessing Messi live in Kerala hinges on overcoming significant hurdles. As fans wait for clarification, the question remains: will Kerala finally host the footballing icon, or will dreams of watching him live remain just that—a dream? The call for feedback resonates strongly within the community as they urge the government to provide updates on the situation.

As the saga unfolds, football enthusiasts are encouraged to share their thoughts on if they believe a resolution will pave the way for Argentine greatness in Kerala or if this moment slips through their fingers once again.

• Argentina
• Kerala Football
• Lionel Messi