KOCHI: Responding to the conundrum over Football icon Messi’s doubtful Kerala visit, Sports Minister V Abdurahiman pulled no punches back at the sponsors of the event and opined that those people should be held responsible for toppling the whole plan.

The minister continues to keep hope about the Argentina legend visiting Kerala but admitted to not receiving any official confirmation from the Argentine Football Association yet. It is reported that sponsors have not paid a single rupee to the Argentine Football Association even months after the Sports Minister's announcement that Messi would visit Kerala this October.

“The All Kerala Gold Merchants Association, an organization of gold merchants, was initially identified as the sponsor of Argentina's friendly match. Their goal was to raise Rs 175 crore. The responsibility lies with the sponsors. Bringing Messi is no small task and it requires splashing a humungous sum. It is unimaginable for the government to think about amassing this much money at this hour.

The first sponsors were not eligible as per the Reserve Bank's procedures. The central government has allowed permission for the event. However, a confirmation from the Argentinian football team is awaited.

"The funding fell through when the Argentinian team demanded half of the event budget as an appearance fee. Later, a broadcasting company with a private news channel came on board as the main sponsor. They announced that they would pay the money," the minister explained.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the Argentine Football Association has decided to tour China in October. Messi and his team will play two matches in China. Kerala is not on the Argentine's 2026 overseas tour schedule.