Lionel Messi’s exhibition match that was supposed to bring Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad to Kochi on November 17 has been postponed, confirmed organisers late Thursday.
Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, the event’s main sponsor, posted on Facebook, “There was a delay in getting the permission from FIFA for the match.” He added that the decision was made “after a meeting with the Argentine Football Association (AFA).”
The rollercoaster saga of Messi and Argentina’s India visit
The announcement officially ends weeks of confusion surrounding the game. Ever since Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman first announced the friendly earlier this year, the event has seen multiple reversals, official denials, and renewed assurances.
Even the minister had stated that the match “had been called off,” before the AFA confirmed in August that their team would indeed travel to Kochi.
However, several Argentine media outlets reported that the fixture was unlikely to happen in November. They hinted that March 2026 could be the next viable window for the South American champions to visit India.
Notably, in December 2022, Kerala’s sports minister officially invited Messi’s team soon after Argentina’s World Cup victory. In September 2024, Abdurahiman even flew to Spain, reportedly spending ₹13 lakh of state funds to hold discussions with AFA officials, according to a report by The Financial Express.
However, Augustine revealed that his organisation had deposited ₹130 crore into the AFA’s account as part of the agreement to bring the Argentine side to India.
Earlier, City Police Commissioner Putta told The Indian Express, “We are expecting nearly 50,000 people at the stadium. Only those with tickets will be allowed near the stadium. We are planning to use technology like CCTV cameras and drones to monitor the situation. There will also be barricades and other security measures in place.”
