Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman said the state is prepared to host the Lionel Messi-led world champions if they are willing to come, days after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) rejected an offer from Argentina to play a football friendly in India due to its prohibitive appearance fee. The Argentina national football team has also indicated interest in travelling to Kerala to play a game.
“Argentina is one of the best football teams in the world, and Brazil is another one. We have the facilities to host world-class teams. Messi and Argentina have a huge fan following in Kerala. “
“The managers of the Argentina Football team have expressed their interest in coming and playing in Kerala. AIFF has also communicated to us that they will help us. The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is someone who likes to give importance to Football,” the minister told to Manorama.
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There were rumours earlier this month that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had clarified that they had not received a formal request about a match against India from the Argentina Football Federation. The AIFF, however, acknowledged that they had been contacted regarding sponsorship for a game against a friendly opponent.
Minister V Abdurahiman took note of this and quickly voiced his desire to invite the Argentina national team to Kerala. He stated that the state will work to raise the required money, which is thought to be 40 crores, to facilitate the visit.
“The amount looks bigger when you look at it that way; it is an achievable amount. That won’t be a problem. We will take necessary steps for it once we get an official letter from Argentina,” added the minister.
“We are keeping the All India Football Federation (AIFF) updated on the developments. We believe raising funds for hosting Argentina will not be an issue. Argentina’s World Cup triumph has sent their Malayali fans into a frenzy. Hosting Argentina is a long-cherished dream,” he said.
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The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, visited the Argentine Embassy in New Delhi following Argentina’s triumph at Qatar 2022, and the embassy praised the supporters in Kerala for their support. Argentina’s national squad had been invited by Pinarayi, who also indicated interest in working together.
“The AIFF is ready to support us to make arrangements to host Argentina. We have facilities to host the world champions,” Abdurahiman concluded.
In Kerala, a state with a rich football tradition and ardent supporters, the news has stirred excitement among football aficionados. Although there hasn’t been any formal communication between the Kerala Sports Ministry and the Argentina Football Federation, there is hope for a prospective visit due to the “interest expressed by the Argentine team.”
If the plan is implemented, it will be a huge athletic occasion for Kerala and a thrilling chance for Indian football fans. There is enthusiasm among sports fans nationally over the possibility of seeing prominent Argentine stars, such as Lionel Messi, play in Kerala.
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