Investigation into Messi's Postponed Visit to Keralam Progresses

The investigation into Lionel Messi's postponed visit to Keralam is making headway, according to the state's sports minister. Questions arise regarding the financial backing of the event, which was initially set for a friendly match against Australia. Despite Messi's recent tour of India, uncertainty looms over a future visit to Keralam. Additionally, Messi's retirement from international football marks the end of a celebrated career, during which he led Argentina to multiple titles, including the World Cup in 2022. Read on for more details about this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 14:00 IST

SIT Investigation on Messi's Visit

Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], September 7: The sports minister of Keralam, OJ Janeesh, has stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is making significant progress in its inquiry regarding the delayed visit of football superstar Lionel Messi to the state. He criticized the previous LDF government for its lack of transparency concerning various elements of this situation.

Originally, Messi was scheduled to visit Keralam for a friendly match, but the sponsors announced a postponement last year. According to Olympics.com, Argentina was set to face the Australian national team at Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on November 17, following a venue inspection by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in September. This visit was part of the team's provisional schedule for friendly matches during the FIFA International Window in November.

In a media briefing, Janeesh remarked, “The SIT investigation is advancing well. There are numerous questions that require clarification. How could a company with a mere Rs 10 lakh in paid-up capital manage an event valued at Rs 200 crore? There is a significant lack of clarity on multiple fronts, and these matters must be thoroughly investigated.”

The sponsors indicated that a delay in obtaining FIFA's approval contributed to the postponement, suggesting that the match would be rescheduled for the next international window. Despite Messi's recent tour of India, which included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, uncertainty remains regarding a potential visit to Keralam.

In related news, Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, concluding a remarkable career that began with his senior debut in 2005. He holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and top scorer, leading the nation to three significant international titles.

Throughout his career, Messi faced several disappointments before achieving major success. After losing the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, he finally secured the 2021 Copa America, ending a 28-year drought for Argentina. He then guided the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring twice in the final against France and converting a penalty in the shootout, resulting in a 4-2 win after a 3-3 draw in extra time. Argentina also retained the Copa America title in 2024, adding to Messi's impressive collection of international accolades.