Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman asserted on Tuesday that he received an email from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressing the football champions’ willingness to play a friendly game in the state. However, both the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Kerala Football Association (KFA) have not officially confirmed this statement of Lionel Messi & co’s interest in playing game in the state.
According to Manorama, AIFF Acting Secretary General M Satyanarayan stated his unawareness of any such development, emphasizing the need for official confirmation. To host a FIFA-affiliated national team, the state government must seek permission through the KFA from the AIFF. Despite the minister’s claim, the KFA officials reported not receiving any official communication.
The AIFF officials welcomed the Kerala government’s initiative but stressed the importance of an official proposal. They expressed readiness to make necessary arrangements if approached by the state government.
Sources close to the matter revealed that if Argentina agrees, the friendly match could be held in Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi. Compliance with FIFA standards for training pitches and the main venue would be essential.
After winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina had initially proposed a friendly in India, but plans were dropped due to the AFA’s high appearance fee demand. The Kerala government then extended an invitation, hoping to host the world champions.
Considering Argentina’s recent popularity, especially with the presence of football icon Lionel Messi, the friendly could significantly impact local organizers, given Messi’s captaincy legacy and potential draw for crowds and revenue
