The planned visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team to Kerala in November has been postponed, sparking controversy and allegations of a "shady business deal". The event, which included a friendly match against Australia at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on November 17, was called off due to logistical challenges and delays in securing necessary FIFA permissions.
The postponement has triggered a political storm in Kerala, with the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) alleging that the event was a smokescreen for dubious financial dealings. Congress MP Hibi Eden has specifically raised concerns regarding the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, questioning the agreements made and the involvement of private companies. Eden alleges that the stadium renovation, carried out in preparation for the now-postponed match, saw trees being cut and construction undertaken in violation of existing norms. He suspects a "shady deal" is being orchestrated with the Kerala government's backing.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), a state government body. The GCDA reportedly reached an agreement with the Sports Kerala Foundation, another state entity, for the stadium's renovation. The Sports Kerala Foundation then allegedly assigned the renovation work to a private company, raising further questions about transparency and potential irregularities.
Adding to the controversy, there are concerns about the stadium's future viability. Eden questioned the stadium's future, noting the decline in cricket matches held there and reports that the ISL team Kerala Blasters may relocate, leaving the venue's purpose uncertain. He has urged the GCDA to clarify whether the renovation will proceed despite the postponed match and who will ultimately operate the stadium. Ernakulam District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shias alleged that the renovation project was a "calculated attempt to take control of the stadium" and called for the government to make public the contract between the GCDA and the sponsor.
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman reacted sharply when questioned by reporters about the postponement, further fueling the controversy. Cameras captured the minister's display of annoyance towards a reporter, adding to the public scrutiny of the event.
The Argentina Football Association (AFA) cited Kerala's "lack of readiness" and delays in completing logistical arrangements within the agreed timeline as reasons for the cancellation. Argentine media reports echoed these concerns. Organizers have proposed rescheduling the visit to March 2026, but this is complicated by the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April or May of that year.
Despite the setback, organizers remain optimistic about reviving the event in March 2026, pending discussions with the AFA and sponsors. The proposed match was estimated to be a ₹200-crore spectacle. While ₹130 crore had been transferred to AFA in June 2025, organizers faced challenges securing the full amount due to economic pressures and sponsor concerns related to stadium delays.
The postponement is a significant disappointment for Indian football fans, particularly in Kerala, where Argentina and Messi have a substantial following. Messi's last appearance in India was in 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela in Kolkata. While the Argentina friendly match is off, Messi is still expected to visit India in December for a three-day promotional tour covering Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. This individual tour is separate from the postponed team visit.
