Doha: Football fans in Kerala have been left disappointed once again, as reports indicate that Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will not be visiting the state in March.
Argentina have scheduled an additional friendly match against Qatar after their Finalissima clash with Spain, which has dashed hopes of a Kerala visit. The Finalissima between European champions Spain and Copa América winners Argentina is scheduled to be held on March 27 at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.
There were expectations that Messi and his teammates would travel to Kerala at the end of the March international window following the high-profile match against Spain. However, as part of their preparations for the FIFA World Cup in June, Argentina have confirmed another fixture against Qatar on March 31, also at the Lusail Stadium. This development effectively rules out a visit to Kerala during the March window.
The FIFA international window runs from March 23 to March 31, spanning nine days.
Earlier, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman and sponsor Anto Augustine had stated that Messi would not be visiting Kerala in November, citing the lack of adequate standards at the Kochi stadium, and that the team would instead arrive during the March window. However, the November announcement was made without completing required formalities or receiving clear confirmation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Later, the Sports Minister reiterated that Messi and the Argentine squad would visit Kerala in March. With the latest schedule now confirmed, those assurances have failed to materialise, leaving Kerala’s passionate football fans deeply disappointed.
