Messi’s retirement: Why Kerala celebrated him at Thrissur Pooram and now watches an ED probe

The international retirement of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has triggered deep emotion across the footballing world, but perhaps nowhere is his absence felt more uniquely than in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Messi has hung up his boots for the national side, finishing a glorious twenty-one year international career with one hundred and twenty-five goals and that elusive World Cup trophy. In Kerala, a region thousands of miles from Buenos Aires, he is not just a sporting hero. The relationship with the Argentine icon runs deep across the state, making him a household name from Thiruvananthapuram to the northern districts.

How a South Indian state fell in love with a South American icon

Kerala is globally famous for its intense football frenzy, which routinely makes international headlines. During major tournaments, the state is painted in the sky-blue and white stripes of the Argentina national team. The connection is deeply personal. Fans do not just watch Messi; they weave him into their daily lives.

People paint entire houses in the Argentine colours. On wedding days, brides and grooms have been known to wear Messi’s iconic number ten jersey over their traditional marriage clothes. This passion is shared by communities across the region, making him a beloved figure in every household.

The legend on elephants and rivers

This passion frequently spills over into spectacular public displays. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, local supporters in Kozhikode erected a giant thirty-foot cutout of Messi directly in the middle of the Kurungattu Kadavu river in Pullavoor. The image went viral worldwide, earning official praise from football's governing body, FIFA.

Traditional culture also merges with this modern football worship. During the historic Thrissur Pooram festival, the famous Kudamattam ceremony—where colourful parasols are exchanged on top of fifteen elephants—featured illuminated images of Messi holding the World Cup. Even FIFA celebrated the state's unique culture by sharing a social media greeting of Messi alongside a traditional Vishu Kani arrangement.

A multi-crore political and financial storm

However, this deep adoration has recently been overshadowed by political and financial controversy. Following the joy of Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, LDF-led Kerala government announced an ambitious plan to bring Messi and his national team to Kerala for a friendly match in 2025. An advance payment of approximately sixteen million dollars, or two hundred and fifty crore rupees, was reportedly made.

But the match never took place. The then state's Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, accused the Argentine Football Association of failing to follow through, calling it a betrayal of local fans. The failed plan quickly became a major political issue during assembly elections, with opponents labeling it an expensive publicity stunt. It contributed to the minister losing his seat in Tirur by over twenty-four thousand votes.

Now, a serious criminal investigation is underway. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan of present UDF-led government has ordered a Special Investigation Team, including police and Vigilance officials, to probe massive financial irregularities linked to the failed visit. Reports suggest major GST tax evasion, with over one hundred and twenty-six crore rupees transferred abroad through the sponsor, and an American agency. Another two hundred and six crore rupees was transferred to the sponsor from financial institutions with no clear origin. Federal investigators from the Enforcement Directorate are also looking into foreign exchange violations and potential money laundering, turning Kerala's football dream into a complex legal nightmare.