Lionel Messi-led Argentina to skip Kerala visit, will tour four Indian cities in December

Kerala will miss out on a highly anticipated visit from Argentina's national football team, led by global icon Lionel Messi.

State Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed on Monday that the World Cup-winning side will not be travelling to the state, despite earlier announcements by the government and assurances that a sponsor had already paid the match fee.

Speaking to local media, the minister revealed that the team cited scheduling issues for their inability to travel to Kerala in October. However, the sponsor had made it clear they were only interested in hosting the team during that month.

Earlier, Abdurahiman had expressed hopes of the team arriving in either October or November, adding that the government was prepared to extend state guest privileges, including security and accommodation.

Meanwhile, Messi is scheduled to visit Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi in December, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tour is likely to include a series of football-related events and engagements.

His visit will begin in Kolkata, where he is expected to land on the night of December 12. The city will host him for the longest leg of his trip — two days and one night.

On December 13, celebrations kick off at 9am with a meet-and-greet, followed by the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi in Lake Town’s Sribhumi — touted as the tallest and first of its kind dedicated to the football icon.

Later, Eden Gardens will host the ‘GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup’ from noon to 1.30pm, featuring tributes from celebrities, including Sourav Ganguly.

Messi will then fly to Ahmedabad that evening for a private event organised by the Adani Foundation.

On December 14, he will be in Mumbai for a meet-and-greet at the Cricket Club of India, followed by a celebratory event at Wankhede Stadium. While rumours of a cricket match with Dhoni and Kohli surfaced, organisers confirmed only symbolic appearances.

Messi may also interact with the Indian football team, including Sunil Chhetri, depending on their availability.

His final stop will be in New Delhi on December 15, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also take part in the concluding ‘GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup’ at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

At every city, Messi will conduct a 30–40-minute ‘masterclass’ with children to inspire and mentor young footballers, underscoring the tour’s focus on youth engagement and grassroots development in Indian football.