THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Messi conundrum surrounding Argentina’s much-hyped visit to India has taken a fresh twist, with sponsors confirming that ace footballer Lionel Messi and his team will not be coming to Kerala in November. The clarification came soon after the Argentina Football Association (AFA) announced that the national team would play only in Angola next month.
The confirmation has poured cold water on weeks of excitement in India with fans eagerly awaiting the football G.O.A.T's arrival in the country and both the Kerala government and private sponsors announcing a high-profile friendly match in Kochi on November 17.
According to reports in the Argentine media, AFA officials attributed the cancellation to Kerala’s “lack of readiness” and delays in completing logistical arrangements within the agreed timeline.