Kochi: The Argentina men’s football team, led by Lionel Messi, will not visit Kerala in November as initially planned, according to Spanish-language media outlet La Nación.

The report, referencing the Argentine Football Association (AFA), highlights the national team’s schedule for the upcoming FIFA window from 10 to 18 November 2025.

An AFA official told La Nación, “We did everything possible to make it happen in November; a delegation even travelled to India to inspect the field, hotels, and other arrangements, but India could not meet the requirements.” The official further noted that repeated breaches in contract obligations led to the cancellation. Efforts are now being made to reschedule the friendly match, with March next year being considered as a potential date.

Last month, Hector Daniel Cabrera, an AFA representative, visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi, to assess facilities for the match. Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman met Cabrera at the venue and reaffirmed that the fixture was on schedule. Meanwhile, a private broadcasting company handling the match arrangements stated that Australia had agreed to play a friendly with Argentina in Kochi on 17 November, though this has not been confirmed by Australian media or the Football Association.

The cancellation comes amid logistical and contractual challenges, despite efforts by both the AFA and local organisers to accommodate the team. La Nación emphasised that the contract with Kerala authorities experienced repeated breaches, prompting the AFA to pause the November plans.

The Argentine delegation’s visit was intended to include stadium inspections, accommodation checks, and preparatory meetings to ensure the friendly match could proceed smoothly. However, with the requirements unmet, the AFA has opted to reorganise the contract and explore alternative dates. The possibility of scheduling the friendly for March 2026 is currently under discussion.

Kerala Sports Minister Abdurahiman had earlier expressed confidence that the match would proceed as scheduled, following his inspection with Cabrera. Despite the cancellation, football fans in Kerala are hopeful that the match with Messi and the Argentina team will eventually take place once the logistical issues are resolved.