Messi, Argentina will play in Kerala, claims Sports Minister

Kerala Sports Minister on Saturday said that the Argentina national football team, led by Lionel Messi, will play friendly matches in Kerala in October and added that the exact dates are not yet finalised.

"Argentina will come to Kerala and they will play here in October," he said during a media briefing. The minister also dismissed reports of a breach of contract by the sponsors with the Argentina Football Association (AFA).

The minister said that the Reporter Broadcasting Company had entered into an agreement with AFA to bring the defending World Cup champions to Kerala.

"The criteria require the sponsors to make the payment. There was a delay due to the dates not being finalised. Additionally, clearance is needed from the Reserve Bank of India, which will be resolved soon," the minister said. He further said that the sponsors had informed him the payment would be made in the coming days and that there was no confusion regarding the team’s match in October.

Abdurahiman said that a detailed press conference will be held next week with officials from the Argentina Football Association (AFA), during which more information about the schedule will be shared.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company stated that the procedures with the AFA are ongoing. "I can say that Messi will come, we have made arrangements for that," he said