Central govt grants Kerala govt permission to bring Lionel Messi, Argentina squad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union Ministry of External Affairs approved the Kerala government’s plan to bring football nonpareil and Argentina captain Lionel Messi and his squad to Kerala. The state government were allowed to transfer money to Argentine Football Association only after getting the central government’s approval. The Argentina Football Association is demanding Rs 100 crore for visiting Kerala for a friendly match.

Argentina Football Association officials will visit Kerala only if the first instalment is paid. After the AFA officials inspect the stadium, the MoU will be signed in a joint meeting and the date of the match will be announced. After getting permission from New Delhi, the sports department has ramped up moves.

Meanwhile, Minister V. Abdurahiman evaded media questions on the Argentina football team’s arrival in Kerala. In response to a question from students at a private ceremony in Cheruvannur, the Minister said Lionel Messi will arrive in Kerala on October 25th and continue his stay till November 2nd. The minister also said that the superstar would participate in a 20-minute public program in addition to the two friendly matches.

However, when the media asked for further clarification on the statement, the minister decided to keep mum.