Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has accused Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team of "cheating" the state after failing to honour an agreement to play an exhibition match despite an alleged payment arrangement worth ₹250 crore.
The proposed visit, which was expected to bring Messi and the Argentina squad to Kerala for a high-profile exhibition match, has now turned into a major controversy, with the state government reportedly considering legal action.
Minister Alleges Argentina Failed to Honour Agreement
According to Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, extensive efforts had been made to bring the Argentina team to the state, including securing sponsorship funds to cover the large financial commitment.
"But, after receiving the money, the Argentine football team cheated us.
We did not expect such a betrayal from them. Not coming after promising to do so," the minister said during an interaction with a television channel.
He added that arranging the ₹250 crore required significant negotiations and sponsor involvement, making the cancellation particularly disappointing for the government and football fans alike.
Legal Action Being Considered Against Lionel Messi
The Kerala government is now exploring legal options, including the possibility of approaching international courts to seek compensation.
Abdurahiman claimed that preliminary inquiries suggested similar incidents may have occurred elsewhere.
"They took money from those countries, but never went there to play. It is a situation where a case will have to be filed against the Argentine football team, and they will have to pay us compensation," he stated.
The minister indicated that the failure of the visit has not only caused financial concerns but also dented public confidence in the arrangement.
Fans Left Disappointed After Expected Visit
The exhibition match, originally planned to take place in Kerala, was widely anticipated by football fans across the state.
Abdurahiman admitted that he personally looked forward to hosting the Argentina squad and interacting with football lovers in Kerala.
"It has disappointed the football lovers in Kerala. I don't know to whom I will tell my disappointment," he said.
The absence of the Argentina team has reportedly left fans frustrated, particularly after months of anticipation surrounding the possible visit of Messi.
Political Fallout Adds to Controversy
The incident has also triggered political debate within the state, with opposition voices questioning the transparency surrounding the proposed deal and the financial arrangements involved.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time politically, further intensifying scrutiny of government decisions related to large-scale sporting events.
As the situation develops, the Kerala government is expected to decide its next steps, including whether to formally pursue legal action against the Argentina Football Association and associated parties.
