Messi Coming To Kerala In March?
Football fans in Kerala are set for another major disappointment as reports confirm that Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team are unlikely to visit the state during the March international window.
Expectations of Messi’s much-anticipated Kerala appearance have faded following Argentina’s decision to schedule an additional international match in Qatar.
Argentina is already set to face Spain in the prestigious Finalissima on March 27 at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.
The clash between the reigning Copa América champions and the Euro champions had raised hopes that Messi and his teammates might travel to Kerala immediately after the match, towards the end of the FIFA March window. However, those plans now appear improbable.
I Hope Football Has A Bright Future In India,’ Says Messi After 3-Day “Incredible Visit”
As part of their preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup scheduled for June, Argentina have confirmed another friendly match against Qatar on March 31, once again at the Lusail Stadium.
With the FIFA international window running only from March 23 to March 31—a span of nine days—the additional fixture effectively rules out any overseas travel to India during this period.
Earlier, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman and sponsor Antony Augustine had stated that Messi’s visit, initially planned for November, was postponed to March due to concerns over stadium standards in Kochi.
Explained: The Full Story Of What Really Happened At Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Event
However, the November announcement itself had drawn criticism, as it was made without completing formal procedures or obtaining clarity from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Despite repeated assurances that Messi would arrive during the March window, the lack of official confirmation and Argentina’s updated schedule have now made it clear that the visit will not materialise.
The uncertainty surrounding logistics, approvals, and scheduling has once again left Kerala’s football-loving public disheartened.
