Messi Kerala Visit Row: Probe Report Submitted to Government
Kerala Sports Department completes investigation into the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and Argentina’s football team; report remains confidential.
New Delhi, August 12, 2026: The controversy over the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala has intensified after the state Sports Department completed its investigation and submitted the report to the state government.
Sports Minister O J Janish said the report was prepared by the department’s Special Secretary after examining relevant files and documents. He said the report is confidential and its findings cannot be disclosed until the government reviews it and decides on further action.
The investigation was launched after questions were raised over why the proposed visit of Messi and the Argentina team did not take place despite announcements by the previous government. Football fans and the media had demanded clarity over the failed event.
According to media reports, the investigation has raised questions over the alleged absence of a clear agreement to bring Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala. However, the Sports Minister has not confirmed any specific findings from the report.
Former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, who had earlier announced the proposed visit, has rejected allegations of wrongdoing. He said the previous LDF government had followed the required procedures and that the state government suffered no financial loss.
Abdurahiman claimed the agreement was between the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and a private sponsor. He also said the sponsor had obtained the necessary RBI approval for payments to AFA.
The issue has now triggered a political debate. The Youth League has demanded a central agency investigation, while CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan has dismissed the possibility of irregularities, saying records of the process are available.
The government is now examining the confidential report. Its findings and any possible action will be known only after the government takes a final decision.
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