Messi’s Argentina did not come to Kerala despite receiving money, minister alleges fraud

Allegations of contractual breach and financial misconduct have emerged in Kerala following claims by the state’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman that Argentina’s national football team, led by Lionel Messi, failed to honour an agreement to play a scheduled exhibition match despite receiving funds.

Speaking in a televised interview on Thursday, the minister asserted that extensive negotiations had taken place over a proposed visit by the World Cup-winning side to Kerala. The arrangement, he said, had generated significant public enthusiasm, with plans for a high-profile friendly match intended to be staged in the state.

According to Abdurahiman, securing the event required substantial financial mobilisation, with approximately ₹250 crore raised through sponsorship agreements and supporting stakeholders. He maintained that the agreement had reached an advanced stage before being abruptly cancelled by the Argentine side.

“The Argentina team deceived us after receiving the money,” the minister alleged. “We had placed our trust in them. Despite repeated assurances, they did not come.”

He further claimed that Kerala’s experience was not isolated, suggesting that similar arrangements involving other countries had also reportedly collapsed under comparable circumstances. On this basis, he indicated that legal recourse and compensation claims were being considered by the state authorities.

The minister had earlier announced in August that Argentina, captained by Messi, would travel to Kerala in March 2026 for a showcase fixture. However, by November, reports began circulating in the media that the proposed tour would no longer proceed.

Key timeline of events

The plan to bring Argentina to Kerala had been under discussion for an extended period. In 2025, preliminary talks were held between state officials, the Argentine Football Association and relevant sporting bodies, including FIFA, in an effort to organise a sanctioned friendly. However, those discussions ultimately did not progress to final approval.

Football enjoys enormous popularity in Kerala, particularly support for Argentina national football team and global icon Lionel Messi, whose following in the region has often been described as fervent. The proposed fixture was widely anticipated, with expectations of large-scale attendance and significant economic activity linked to tourism and sponsorship.

Separately, Messi did travel to India in December as part of the so-called “GOAT Tour”, visiting Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat. The tour, however, was overshadowed in Kolkata when disorder broke out at Salt Lake Stadium, with sections of the crowd reportedly damaging property amid frustration over organisational shortcomings.

At present, neither the Argentine Football Association nor representatives of the national team have issued a detailed response to the allegations made by Kerala’s Sports Minister. The matter is likely to remain under scrutiny as calls for clarification and potential legal examination intensify.