‘Cheated us’: Messi and Argentina face serious accusations from Kerala minister

Kerala Sports Minister Abdullahiman makes serious accusations against Argentina national football team, claiming the team failed to fulfill its visit commitments kerala Despite receiving large payments. Speaking on Thursday, the minister expressed strong disappointment, saying the Argentine team had made extensive efforts to plan a possible visit, which would include global icons Lionel Messi. He revealed that multiple rounds of discussions took place to make the event possible. “I had many discussions for this. Finding sponsors to arrange payment of Rs 250 crore to the international football team was also not an easy task,” Abdulrahiman said. He then made direct accusations, adding, “However, the Argentinian football team deceived us after receiving the money. We did not expect them to be so treacherous. They promised to do so but did not come.” The minister further claimed that Kerala may not be the only party affected. According to him, upon enquiry, similar situations have occurred in other places. “They took money from these countries but never went to play there. In this case, a lawsuit must be filed against the Argentinian football team and they must pay us compensation,” he said. Abdulrahiman also spoke of his personal disappointment at the development, noting the excitement among fans in the state. “This is disappointing for football lovers in Kerala. I don’t know who to tell my disappointment to,” he added. The visit was earlier expected to be a major sporting event, with the minister saying in November that the Argentinian and Messi were expected to arrive in Kerala in March this year. Current developments cast uncertainty on those plans. Amid the controversy, Abdulrahiman also spoke about his political moves ahead of the upcoming elections. He confirmed his decision to contest from Tirur assembly constituency instead of Thanur seat which he had won twice earlier. He insists the switch was driven not by electoral considerations but by a desire to represent his hometown, which he said requires greater development. The Kerala Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 9, adding a political dimension to an issue that has already elicited strong reactions from football fans in the state.