Lionel Messi’s Argentina Drop Kerala Visit Due to Schedule Conflict: Minister
Argentina’s national football team, led by football legend Lionel Messi, will not be travelling to Kerala, state Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed on Monday.
Earlier, the minister had assured that the Messi-led Argentina team would be visiting the state, adding that the event sponsor had already paid the match fee.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, he stated that the international team had informed them of difficulties in making the Kerala trip in October this year. However, the sponsor had clearly mentioned, “we are interested only in an October visit.”
Previously, Abdurahiman had said the team would likely arrive in October or November this year and would be received as state guests, with the government taking care of their security, stay, and other arrangements.
Where Will Messi Visit During His India Tour?
If plans go as expected, football lovers in Kolkata may catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi after ten years. Kolkata will be the first stop on Messi’s tour, which also includes Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, and will end with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources informed PTI that all arrangements—including the booking of Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium—are complete, although Messi’s official confirmation is awaited. “It’s all finalised, and we’re just waiting for Messi to make an official announcement—possibly on his social media soon,” said the source.
As per the schedule, Messi will land in Kolkata on the night of December 12 at around 10 pm and will remain for two days and one night, the longest halt on his tour.
On December 13, his day will begin at 9 am with a meet-and-greet event, followed by the unveiling of a 70-foot-tall statue of him at Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road. Organisers claim this will be the tallest statue of the World Cup-winning footballer in the world. Later, he will head to Eden Gardens for the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup between 12 noon and 1.30 pm. During this event, Messi will participate in a seven-a-side soft-ball match featuring Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, and Bhaichung Bhutia. Entry will be ticketed, with prices beginning at ₹3,500, and an expected crowd of 68,000. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to felicitate Messi.
Later in the evening, Messi will fly to Ahmedabad for a closed-door event hosted by the Adani Foundation. He will then proceed to Mumbai for programmes on December 14, including a meet-and-greet at CCI at 3.45 pm, followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium from 5.30 pm. Despite speculation, Messi will not play cricket; instead, the celebration will feature Indian film and sports celebrities. He is also expected to interact with the Indian football squad, including Sunil Chhetri.
On December 15, Messi will arrive in New Delhi for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will conclude with the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla at 2.15 pm. In every city, Messi will hold a special masterclass session with children to inspire future Indian footballers. No programme is planned in Kerala. Messi will be accompanied by a large team, including fellow footballers.
Lionel Messi’s Tentative Itinerary:
- December 12: Arrival in Kolkata (10 pm)
- December 13 (Kolkata): 9 am – Meet-and-greet; 70-foot statue unveiling at Lake Town Sribhumi, VIP Road; 12 noon to 1.30 pm – GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Eden Gardens; Evening – Adani Foundation private function in Shantigram, Ahmedabad
- December 14 (Mumbai): 3.45 pm – Meet-and-greet at CCI; 5.30 pm – GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium
- December 15 (New Delhi): Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; 2.15 pm – GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla
Back in August 2011, Messi made his maiden appearance in India when he arrived in Kolkata to play a friendly match against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium, which Argentina won 1-0. His arrival sparked “Messi mania” in the city, with thousands gathering in the streets and packing the 75,000-seater stadium.
