NEW DELHI: Argentina’s national football team and star player Lionel Messi will not be visiting Kerala in November for a planned friendly match, as confirmed by sponsors following the Argentina Football Association’s announcement that the team would only play in Angola next month. This development has ended weeks of anticipation after both the Kerala government and private sponsors had announced a high-profile friendly match scheduled for November 17 in Kochi.

Argentine media reports indicate that AFA officials cited Kerala’s “lack of readiness” and delays in completing logistical arrangements within the agreed timeline as reasons for the cancellation.

The organisers have suggested rescheduling the visit to March 2026, though this timing coincides with Kerala’s Assembly polls scheduled f

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