Messi mess continues: Indian fans left waiting as Argentina cancels November visit to Kerala

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Thiruvananthapuram, (IANS) The Messi conundrum surrounding Argentina’s much-hyped visit to India has taken a fresh twist, with sponsors confirming that ace footballer Lionel Messi and his team will not be coming to Kerala in November. The clarification came soon after the Argentina Football Association (AFA) announced that the national team would play only in Angola next month.

The confirmation has poured cold water on weeks of excitement in India with fans eagerly awaiting the football G.O.A.T's arrival in the country and both the Kerala government and private sponsors announcing a high-profile friendly match in Kochi on November 17.

According to reports in the Argentine media, AFA officials attributed the cancellation to Kerala’s “lack of readiness” and delays in completing logistical arrangements within the agreed timeline.

While organisers have now suggested that the visit may be rescheduled to March 2026, the latest development has once again raised questions about planning, coordination and communication between the stakeholders.

A political controversy has also erupted, with the Congress leadership accusing the state government of prematurely announcing the event without formal confirmation from the AFA.

The episode underscores a recurring challenge in international sports engagements — balancing political optics with procedural clarity.

For Indian fans, the setback is particularly disappointing, given the massive local fan base for Argentina and Messi in Kerala and in the country.

This would have been Messi’s first match in India since 2011, when he captained Argentina against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, a landmark game that marked his debut as national captain.

For now, the wait for Messi continues and with it, Kerala’s hopes of scripting a historic football moment remain in suspense.With the next likely date of March 2026 now surfacing, it remains to be seen if that is going to be feasible as during that time Kerala and the entire political leadership will be busy with the Assembly polls which in most likelihood will happen in April or latest by May. Messi mess continues: Indian fans left waiting as Argentina cancels November visit to Kerala | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → October 31, 2025

FIFA WC qualifiers: Ronaldo sets another record but Hungary deny Portugal early qualification

Credit: FIFA

Lisbon, (IANS) Cristiano Ronaldo set another record but Portugal conceded a last-gasp equaliser against Hungary to keep their dreams of direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup on hold.

Ronaldo became the outright leading marksman in World Cup qualifying history. His two goals – the first his 40th in qualifying to set the landmark – put Portugal on the verge of qualification but Dominik Szoboszlai struck late to deny Portugal qualification for a seventh successive global finals after a 2-2 draw.

Attila Szalai silenced Lisbon by heading home the opener, but the 40-year-old tapped in crosses from full-backs Nelson Semedo and Nuno Mendes to swing Roberto Martinez’s charges ahead. The woodwork denied Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Dias enhancing the lead and Szalai equalising after the restart.

Hungary kept themselves five points behind Portugal, and in with a chance of the section’s automatic ticket, when Daniel Lukacs did majestically to set up Dominik Szoboszlai.

Portugal’s next chance to confirm their place in the World Cup finals tournament next year will be against Republic of Ireland in Dublin next month.

Republic of Ireland claimed their first win in World Cup qualifying after edging out 10-man Armenia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Visiting captain Tigran Barseghyan was given his marching orders in the 52nd minute of this contest before Evan Ferguson combined with Will Smallbone to score the only goal of a cagey encounter.

Meanwhile, Cote d'Ivoire have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 26. The Elephants secured their place at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA on Tuesday, with a 3-0 victory over Kenya in their final Group F fixture ensuring they topped the section ahead of Gabon.They will compete in the World Cup for the first time since Brazil 2014, where they were eliminated in the group stage, as they have been in each of their appearances to date. FIFA WC qualifiers: Ronaldo sets another record but Hungary deny Portugal early qualification | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → October 15, 2025

Real Madrid beat Levante to maintain 100 percent start to La Liga season

Credit: Real Madrid

Madrid, (IANS) Real Madrid retained its perfect record at the top of La Liga with a 4-1 win away to recently promoted Levante

Excellent goals from Vinicius Jr., back in the starting 11 after reacting badly to being substituted at the weekend, and Franco Mastantuono after 27 and 37 minutes put Real Madrid 2-0 up at halftime.

Etta Eyong nodded Levante back into the game after 53 minutes, but another Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 63rd minute restored Madrid's two-goal lead. A second goal from the Frenchman two minutes later meant there was no doubt where the points were heading.

"We've just finished the game and I was fully focused on today's match and where we're headed. We'll start thinking about the derby from tomorrow. It was a really complete team performance, Vini was decisive and put on a really good display," Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said.

Villarreal won 2-1 away to Sevilla, with Manor Solomon scoring the winning goal on the break five minutes from time. Tani Oluwaseyi had put Villarreal ahead after 16 minutes and the visitors dominated the first half, before Djibril Sow equalized in the 50th minute. Sevilla then looked the more likely side to win until Solomon's late strike.

In the early kickoffs, Athletic Bilbao drew 1-1 at home to Girona, with the visitors taking a first-half lead through Azzedine Ounahi's ninth-minute effort that went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Athletic made four changes at halftime and Mikel Jauregizar leveled the match with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area three minutes into the second half.Javi Puado scored a 96th-minute equalizer as Espanyol twice came back from behind to claim a point at home to Valencia. Arnaut Danjuma put Valencia ahead after 15 minutes, with Leandro Cabrera leveling in the 59th minute. Hugo Duro restored Valencia's lead just three minutes later, before Puado's late strike denied them a second win in four days. Real Madrid beat Levante to maintain 100 percent start to La Liga season | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → September 24, 2025