Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has expressed firm confidence that football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will visit Kerala, dismissing recent speculation to the contrary.

Speaking to reporters, the minister reassured the public, stating, “There is no need for concern. Necessary steps are being taken.” His remarks came in response to reports suggesting that Argentina may not travel to Kerala and could instead play their scheduled matches in China.

The reports have cast uncertainty over Argentina's proposed visit, which was earlier hinted at by the minister himself. However, Minister Abdurahiman maintained that financial constraints had limited the state government's role in securing the team’s visit.

“Had the state government had sufficient funds, there would have been no room for controversy or criticism. We would have brought them here ourselves,” he said.

The minister clarified that it was the Kerala Sports Department that initiated discussions with the Argentine Football Association. He added that while the state was unable to afford the high sponsorship costs, two companies had come forward to act as sponsors.

The first sponsor failed to secure clearance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The second company, Reporter Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd, submitted a formal proposal expressing willingness to take up the sponsorship. Based on that, necessary approvals were obtained from both the Union Ministry of Sports and the RBI, the minister confirmed.

“The government has done what it can. The assigned sponsor has informed us that they will make the payment. So, we cannot say Messi won’t come. We have urged them to make the payment urgently. Some delay is possible, but that’s all,” he explained.

The cost associated with bringing the team is reportedly around ₹175 crore. Despite the delay, the sponsor has not expressed any concerns so far, and their agreement with the Argentine Football Association remains in place.

“There is no reason to worry,” the minister added, asserting that the government currently sees no need to replace the sponsor.

While acknowledging that the payment has been delayed, he reiterated that the expectation is that the sponsor will fulfil their financial commitment. “If not, we’ll reassess the situation next week,” he said.

The minister also reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the security of the foreign team when they arrive in the state.