The commercial sponsor behind Argentina’s proposed football tour to Kerala has warned of legal action if the match doesn’t take place later this year as agreed.

Reporter Broadcasting Company, which partnered with the Kerala Government to bring the reigning World Cup champions and star player Lionel Messi to the State, claims it fulfilled its financial obligations by paying ₹130 crore to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on June 6.

“We sent the full amount as per the agreement signed in December 2024, and they acknowledged the payment,” said Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter. “But five days later, we received an email asking if we would agree to reschedule the match to September 2026. That is not acceptable and goes against the original terms.”

Augustine stressed that the signed agreement clearly outlined the match would be held in October or November 2025. The proposal to postpone the game by a year, he said, would result in significant financial losses and breach the original deal.

“We want the match to happen this year. If the agreement isn’t honored, we may be forced to take legal steps,” he added.

Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman recently stated that the Argentina team would not visit the State this year due to scheduling issues. However, Augustine believes it’s premature to make such announcements without an official confirmation from the AFA.

“Until we hear directly from the Argentine Football Association, we still expect them to fulfill their commitment,” he said.

Argentina has a massive fan base in Kerala, and the potential visit—especially featuring Messi—had generated huge excitement. The uncertainty has now cast doubt on what was expected to be a landmark sporting event for the State.

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