Lionel Messi’s trip to play friendly in Kerala canceled after organizers fail to raise 100 crore: Reports

Lionel Messi's highly anticipated trip to Kerala, India, to play a friendly later this year has been canceled after organizers failed to raise 100 crore, according to the New Indian Express (via Firstpost). The Argentine superstar was scheduled to arrive in India with his national team in October to play an exhibition match.

Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced last year that La Pulga would play two exhibition matches in the state in 2025. At least one of them was expected to be hosted in Kochi.

The sponsorship of the event was initially handed to a unit of the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA). The organization had planned to raise 100 crore via sales on its 'Oloppo' app.

However, they have apparently failed to raise the stipulated amount within the deadline, causing the deal to be canceled. Out of the 100 crore, 70% is reportedly the appearance fee for the Argentina national team, who have begun looking for alternate options.

Speaking recently to the New Indian Express, the Kerala Sports Minister refused to comment on the matter.

“The sponsors will respond to the queries,” Abdurahiman said.

As things stand, Lionel Messi will not arrive in India this year. Argentine journalist Gaston Edul has already reported that La Albiceleste will play two games in China and one each in Qatar and Angola this year.

While there hasn't been an official confirmation yet, it appears that the team's schedule for the international break in October and November is already set. Lionel Messi last arrived in India with the national team in 2011 when he played a friendly game against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

The report adds that the State Government has now handed the sponsorship of the event to Reporter Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd. Interestingly, HSBC India had confirmed Argentina's arrival via a statement in March after striking a partnership with the national team. However, the bank is also quiet about the matter.

How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina?

Lionel Messi has scored 112 goals and set up 58 more from 191 appearances for Argentina to date. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals (136) in men's international football than La Pulga.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has won the FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles, one Finalissima, one Olympic Gold medal, and the Under-20 World Cup with his nation. The 37-year-old is now preparing to lead Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

About the author

Deepungsu is a veteran football journalist who has been covering daily transfer roundups and news for over six years at Sportskeeda. He has written close to 9000 articles for the website, and has garnered over 19.5Million reads.

Deepungsu holds a PG degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree in Total Quality Management. He has an extensive two-decade long writing experience, which includes a decade of sports blogging. His writing prowess has even led his work getting cited on the legendary Franz Beckenbauer's Wikipedia page.

Inspired by Diego Maradona, Deepungsu played as an attacking midfielder for his local club at subdivision level in his initial years and scored an important goal or two. However, his all-time favorite footballer is Lionel Messi, and evidently, he feels Argentina's glory in 2022 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment for fulfilling his long-standing dream. He is also an ardent East Bengal fan.

Deepungsu has been a Manchester United supporter since the year 2000. Unsurprisingly, his favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scotsman helped him get through some of the toughest days of his life. Like the fiery Scot, Deepungsu also leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accuracy in articles and only relies on credible sources.

Despite believing in Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to create an iconic rivalry, Deepungsu reckons no one can match the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. He spends his leisure time writing about life on his blog, reading books, and playing the guitar.

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Edited by Parag Jain