Argentina team visit still possible: Minister

Kottayam: Sports minister V Abdurahman on Saturday said that the arrival of Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team in Kerala cannot be ruled out. He also clarified that it is not the govt that is bringing Messi, but the sponsor, adding that the sponsor was approached due to the state's financial constraints.

His remarks came amid reports of uncertainty over the team's visit, allegedly due to breaches in contract terms. Speaking to reporters in Alappuzha, Abdurahman said the Reporter Broadcasting Corporation, backed by a state govt guarantee, signed the contract with the Argentina Football Association. He noted there is no need to change the sponsor and confirmed the contract remains valid.

The sponsors have assured that payment issues will be resolved soon. "So, as of now, we cannot say Messi and the Argentina team will not come. Though there were delays, there is no confusion now," he said. The govt, he added, is handling matters such as visas, with permissions cleared by the RBI and Union sports ministry.