In a move that has sent ripples through Kerala’s political and sporting circles, the newly elected UDF‑led government announced that it will likely launch an inquiry into a former LDF administration’s attempt to bring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and the national team to the state.

Sports Minister O J Janeesh said the proposal, first received by the previous sports minister V Abdurahiman, was handled outside the normal bureaucratic framework. The proposal originated from an advertising company that had been registered only 20 days before the email was sent. The company’s capital was reported as just Rs 1 lakh, and the minister questioned whether its background, financial capacity or experience in organising events of Messi’s stature had been examined.

According to Janeesh, the proposal was kept outside the official file system for nearly two years, was never registered or assigned a file number, and the former minister communicated with private parties through his personal email during that period. The sports department had already submitted a confidential inquiry report to the cabinet, but the report remains sealed and has not been released to the public.

Financially, the state is said to have spent about Rs 14 lakh on the effort, including an official trip to Spain taken by Abdurahiman in connection with the proposal. Janeesh also claimed that the state lost Rs 126 crore that had been promised by a sponsor, and that the selection of the sponsor lacked transparency. He called the use of the Chief Secretary, district collector, police and Greater Cochin Development Authority to facilitate a private event‑management company a misuse of government machinery.

In response, former LDF sports minister V Abdurahiman denied the allegations. In a statement he said the previous government had followed all prescribed procedures and that the state incurred no financial liability. He maintained that the agreement for the visit was between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the sponsor, and that the state was not a party to that contract.

The controversy dates back to Abdurahiman’s tenure, when he announced that Messi would visit Kerala for a friendly match. Abdurahiman said the proposal had received approval from the Union Sports Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India, but no evidence has been released that the Argentine team accepted the invitation.

The issue has gained political attention amid the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections. The UDF, which won 41 seats in the last election, is now in power, while the LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, holds 99 seats. The debate over the Messi proposal has become part of the broader discussion about governance and accountability in the state.

Janeesh questioned whether former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was aware of the developments that have now come to light. He also asked for clarification on the purpose of the Spain trip and the selection of the sponsor.

The sports department’s inquiry report remains confidential, and no official statement has been released regarding its findings. The UDF government has not yet announced a specific investigative body or timeline.

The controversy highlights the need for clear procedural compliance when state resources are used for private events. It also underscores the political stakes surrounding the handling of high‑profile sports proposals in Kerala.

As the investigation proceeds, the state government will likely consider whether to open a formal inquiry, appoint an independent panel, or take other remedial steps. The outcome will determine whether any administrative or legal action is taken against former officials involved in the Messi proposal.

The matter remains unresolved, and the next steps will be announced by the Kerala government in the coming weeks.