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Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman is confident that Lionel Messi’s Argentina will visit Kerala in October or November.
Lionel Messi (AP/PTI)
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed on Saturday that the Argentina national football team, captained by Lionel Messi, will visit the state as previously announced. He confirmed the sponsor’s payment of the match fee.
Abdurahiman stated the team’s visit is anticipated in October or November. They will be accorded state guest status, with the government providing security, accommodation, and other necessities. This reassurance comes despite earlier media reports suggesting cancellation due to contract breaches by the sponsors, keeping hopes alive for Kerala’s football fans.
Both Abdurahiman and the sponsor, Reporter Broadcasting Company, refuted previous reports, maintaining the world champions’ commitment to a friendly match in Kerala. The Minister revived the topic with a Facebook post on Friday, stating, “Messi will come,” and expressing gratitude to the sponsor.
On Saturday, Abdurahiman clarified to the media that a delay in the match fee payment had been resolved. “The sponsor has paid the amount. There are no further obstacles. The FIFA window in October-November is typically allotted for international team events. We expect a similar allocation,” he said.
According to the contract between the sponsor and the Argentina Football Association (AFA), the team management will jointly announce the date and other details after the fee payment. Abdurahiman added that the sponsor had informed the government of the payment, but they await confirmation from the Argentina team management.
“The sponsors have settled the pre-match contract amount. The government has no financial involvement; the contract is strictly between the sponsor and the team management,” he explained.
The proposed friendly match will likely occur at the international-standard Greenfield Stadium. The minister emphasised the government’s sole aim is to invigorate Kerala’s sports sector by hosting the world champions.
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov… Read More
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Thiruvananthapuram, India, India
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