Lionel Messi's postponed Kerala journey a part of shady enterprise deal, stadium renovation deal questioned: Report

Published on: Oct 27, 2025 05:27 pm IST

Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman misplaced his mood on Monday when reporters requested him about Lionel Messi’s postponed go to.

Football followers in India have been disenchanted just lately as Lionel Messi’s go to to Kerala in November this yr bought postponed, as revealed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the occasion’s sponsor. Messi and the Argentine crew have been slated to play a pleasant match in Kochi, in opposition to Australia on 17 November. The postponement has raised query marks in Kerala, with the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) alleging that the occasion is a ‘cowl for a doubtful monetary deal’.

Lionel Messi in motion for Argentina.(AFP)

Congress MP Hibi Eden made the declare in reference to the renovation of the JLN International Stadium in Kochi, which was undertaken in preparation for the match.

Also Read: Lionel Messi and Argentina’s Kerala go to in November postponed, AFA blames logistical delays

The JLN Stadium, owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), a physique underneath the state authorities, had reached an settlement with the Sports Kerala Foundation, a state entity, for renovation works. Later, the Sports Kerala Foundation assigned it to a non-public firm. Eden additionally alleged that bushes have been lower and building was carried out in violation of current norms.

Speaking to reporters, he mentioned, “I suspect there is a shady deal taking place with the support of the Kerala government behind these developments.”

Questioning the stadium’s future, he mentioned, “Now, no cricket matches are being held. It is used mainly for football. But we hear that the ISL team Kerala Blasters, which played here, will also move out. What will be the future of this stadium.”

“We remained silent because Messi’s arrival was expected to boost Kochi’s growth, and many people were eager to see him. Now that the Argentine team is not coming, GCDA should clarify whether the renovation will continue and who will operate the stadium,” he added.

Then, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman misplaced his mood on Monday when reporters requested him about Messi’s go to. Cameras caught him aggravated. Then he whispered one thing in a reporter’s ear, earlier than pushing away mics and cameras.

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