Lionel Messi’s India Visit Canceled: What’s Next?

Lionel Messi’s Cancelled Visit to India

The excitement among Indian fans to witness Lionel Messi play live has taken a significant hit. The much-anticipated friendly match between Argentina and a yet-to-be-decided opponent in Kerala scheduled for November has been officially canceled. Argentina’s Football Association (AFA) confirmed this unexpected change in plans.

The Reasons Behind the Cancellation

Initially, the Kerala government had expressed enthusiasm about hosting Messi and his teammates. However, logistical complications, particularly regarding FIFA’s approval, led to the decision to withdraw from the scheduled fixture. Anto Augustine, the event’s sponsor, highlighted that the necessary clearance from FIFA could not be secured in time.

“Due to the delay in getting approval from FIFA, a decision to postpone the match scheduled in the November window was taken,” Augustine explained. The rescheduling hassle means fans must wait longer to see the star in action.

What’s Next for Argentina?

During their November international break, Argentina will now only be playing one fixture against Angola on the 14th. The AFA believes this match will better serve the team’s training needs as they prepare for upcoming global competitions.

Looking Ahead: Messi’s Future Plans in India

Interestingly, while the match may be off, Messi is still set to visit India in December as part of his ‘GOAT Tour.’ He will conduct public events in Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, giving fans another chance to engage with the football superstar. This event is highly anticipated, especially considering Messi’s last visit to India was back in 2011.

Conclusion

Though the friendly match has been canceled, Messi’s impending visit provides a glimmer of hope for fans. Stay tuned for announcements about his public appearances and other updates from the Argentine national team.