Lack of readiness, delays: Why Lionel Messi is not coming to Kerala in November | Football News

Argentina’s national football team and star player Lionel Messi will not be visiting Kerala in November for a planned friendly match, as confirmed by sponsors following the Argentina Football Association’s announcement that the team would only play in Angola next month. This development has ended weeks of anticipation after both the Kerala government and private sponsors had announced a high-profile friendly match scheduled for November 17 in Kochi.Argentine media reports indicate that AFA officials cited Kerala’s “lack of readiness” and delays in completing logistical arrangements within the agreed timeline as reasons for the cancellation.The organisers have suggested rescheduling the visit to March 2026, though this timing coincides with Kerala’s Assembly polls scheduled for April or May of that year.The cancellation has sparked a political controversy, with Congress leadership criticising the state government for announcing the event without formal confirmation from the AFA.The situation highlights challenges in coordinating international sports events, particularly regarding communication between various stakeholders. The cancellation has disappointed Indian football fans, particularly in Kerala, where Argentina and Messi have a substantial following.Messi’s last appearance in India was in 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in his debut match as national captain.