From the electrifying victory of the Indian cricket team in the recent T20 series to the rising star power of young badminton sensations, India's sporting landscape is ablaze with action! This week alone saw record-breaking performances in the Pro Kabaddi League, showcasing the nation's unwavering passion for indigenous sports. The upcoming Asian Games are generating immense anticipation, with athletes across disciplines sharpening their skills and aiming for glory on the international stage. We delve into the crucial role of sports sponsorships in nurturing talent and boosting India's sporting infrastructure. Furthermore, debates rage on about the future of cricket's dominance in India's sporting ecosystem, with other sports like hockey and football vying for increased attention and investment. Stay updated on all the latest scores, match analyses, and exclusive interviews with your favorite athletes. Explore the dynamic world of Indian sports—from the bustling stadiums to the quiet dedication of rising stars—right here. Discover the stories that shape the nation’s sporting spirit and witness the unfolding drama of the sporting year.
Malappuram(Kerala): The Kerala government has once again stirred public excitement and controversy with Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman asserting that Argentine football legend Lionel Messi will play in India next year. According to the minister, the state has received a new email from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirming that the G.O.A.T. player Messi and his team will visit India in March. "Two days ago, we received an email from the AFA team confirming their visit to Kerala in March," Abdurahiman said. He added that the match was initially planned for November but had to be deferred due to infrastructural issues at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. However, this fresh claim has drawn widespread scepticism, with critics recalling the earlier unfulfilled promise of Messi's visit. The absence of any official agreement or confirmation from the AFA has led to questions about the government's credibility and the procedures followed in organising what is billed as a major international sporting event. The Opposition and sports enthusiasts have also raised concerns over why the Kochi stadium was partially dismantled for "renovation" despite the lack of a signed deal. With no documented terms, the government is now under pressure to clarify who the sponsors are, what the contractual commitments were, and whether due diligence was observed. Adding to the controversy, it has emerged that the sponsors involved in the initiative have alleged links to the notorious Muttil tree felling case despite the government's previous assurances that it would not engage with tainted entities. As anticipation mixes with disbelief, many are demanding transparency and official documentation to substantiate the minister's claim. For now, Messi's supposed Kerala appearance remains more of a political talking point than a confirmed sporting event, a story that continues to keep football fans across the country guessing and critics on edge.
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Saturday asserted that Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will visit the state as announced by the government earlier, and that the sponsor has paid the match fee for the event. He said the World Cup winner is likely to come in October or November this year, and they would be treated as state guests. The government would meet their security, accommodation and other facilities. The news would come as a fresh ray of hope for football fans in one of India's surviving football hubs. Earlier, several media reports had claimed that Argentina's scheduled visit ...Read More >
Kolkata: Lionel Messi on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, calling it an "honour" to revisit the "passionate football nation" country where he last played 14 years ago. "It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago -- the fans were fantastic. "India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 14 (ANI): Argentine football legend Lionel Messi reached Mumbai for his "GOAT India Tour 2025". NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule extended her best wishes to the fans and the people of Maharashtra, while stressing the importance of safety. "I wish them good luck, and I hope it all happens well and everybody who comes to see Messi is very safe," Sule told ANI. Also Read | Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour: Promoter Satadru Dutta Sent to 14-Day Police Custody After Salt Lake Stadium Chaos. After a disappointing turn of events in Kolkata and a highly successful recept ...Read More >
Dumdum (West Bengal) [India], December 14 (ANI): Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy on Sunday said that the Chief Minister has appointed an inquiry committee to probe the mismanagement during Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium and added that it is not appropriate to comment on the matter until the panel submits its findings. "The Chief Minister has appointed an inquiry committee. The committee will find out anything (responsible). So it is not for us to comment on the matter. I condemn the BJP for bringing politics into a sports event," Roy told ANI. On Saturday, M ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 15 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed delight after meeting Lionel Messi in Mumbai on Sunday, during the football legend's Mumbai leg of the GOAT India Tour. Messi, after Kolkata and Hyderabad, completed the third pit stop of his GOAT India Tour with Mumbai. The football legend, along with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, dazzled fans at the Wankhede Stadium. They also met Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar, and the CM of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. Former India and Mumbai Indians cricketer ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 (UNI) Amid swirling speculation over the possible cancellation of an exhibition match involving global football icon Lionel Messi, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Saturday reaffirmed that the much-anticipated event is very much on. "World Champion Argentina football team will visit Kerala," the minister said in a social media post, adding that Messi -- fondly known as King Leo -- is confirmed to participate in the match. His clarification comes in the wake of reports suggesting uncertainty around the event, prompting concern among fans and stakeholders. The ...Read More >
Lionel Messi in Delhi, Check Full Schedule Today: Lionel Messi is all set to be in Delhi for the final leg of his ongoing GOAT India tour 2025. Having been in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai over the past couple of days, Messi will make his first-ever visit to the national capital on Monday, December 15. Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez will also be with Messi as they have been in the other three venues. Messi's much-awaited visit to the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium for multiple events is set to captivate thousands, featuring cameos from cricket legends and dignitaries. The former Barcelona and P ...Read More >
Kareena Kapoor met football legend Lionel Messi in Mumbai along with her sons Taimur and Jehangir Ali Khan during his GOAT India Tour 2025, with pictures and videos from the meet quickly going viral. The actress had earlier shared a glimpse of her boys gearing up to meet their idol, as Messi's visit sparked massive excitement among fans across the city. Football legend Lionel Messi arrived in Mumbai for his eagerly awaited GOAT India Tour 2025. Kareena Kapoor went to meet the football legend wit ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour that began in shambolic fashion ended in a blaze of glory as devotional fans joyously gathered to catch a glimpse of a man that does things on the field that are often beyond human comprehension. Most importantly, the much-publicised and anticipated event had the ending it wanted, after a chaotic beginning in Kolkata on the tour's first stop on Saturday.The thousands of heads totting the stands at Kotla, as well as the few Indian celebrities and dignitaries inside the ground, basked in the euphoria of hosting one of the world's most recognisable ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
Panaji: Last season's finalists are drawn in the same group, and they are joined by the Durand Cup champions and I-League winners.Group B, at first glance, looks a difficult one, but defending champions FC Goa are unperturbed as they face Jamshedpur FC in a repeat of last year's final at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday at 7.30pm.Durand Cup champions NorthEast United, among the favourites here, and I-League winners, Inter Kashi FC, complete the group."It's the draw, sometimes it's good, som ...Read More >
Kolkata, Dec 14 (PTI) A day after chaos erupted during Argentine football icon Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake stadium here, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Sunday visited the venue for a first-hand inspection and called for a judicial inquiry. Bose also urged the government to frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) for managing such events in future. The governor, accompanied by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and senior police officials, visited the venue for a first-hand assessment of the stadium chaos. He also said all those responsible for the chaos must be arrested and the or ...Read More >
Soccer. Ibrahimovic praised Messi's son and sparked excitement at Inter Miami Lionel Messi's recent visit to India was framed as a landmark moment for football fans, and in many respects, it lived up to the hype. Over the course of three tightly scheduled days, the Argentine legend traveled across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, attracting massive crowds wherever he appeared. For a country where elite football icons are rarely seen in person, Messi's presence alone was enough to spark na ...Read More >
Memories in midst of Madness: Dipendu Biswas, Syed Rahim Nabi get jerseys autographed IMAGE: Dipendu Biswas, who represented the Mohun Bagan Messi XI in the exhibition match against the Diamond Harbour Messi XI, was among the few who walked away with memories to cherish forever. Photograph: ANI Photo Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour began amid chaos and vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium, but for former India players Dipendu Biswas and Syed Rahim Nabi, it still turned into the moment of a lifetime in K ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): Argentina's World Cup-winning legend Lionel Messi paid tribute to Liverpool striker Diogo Jota following his demise in a car accident. Liverpool and Portugal forward Jota died in a car accident on Thursday in Spain at the age of 28. At the time of the accident, Jota was with his brother in the car, as reported by Sky Sports. Premier League and Liverpool Football Club took to their official social media and paid their condolences to the footballer. Also Read | Shubman Gill Records: Here's List of Achievements of Team India Test Captain During His Record-Breaki ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Argentina football team, along with Lionel Messi, is likely to play against Australia in Kochi in November, according to the news agency PTI. No date has been fixed for the exhibition match, but the match is likely to be played between November 12 and 18. There were some controversies around the Argentina team's visit to Kerala, with some early reports suggesting that the team would not visit the country. However, some months later, the Kerala sports minister, V Abdurahiman, said that the Kerala state team would arrive in Kerala in November. It will be a moment of celebration ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 23 (PTI) The Lionel Messi-led Argentina team will most likely face Australia in the eagerly-awaited friendly match in Kerala come November, official sources in the state's sports department said on Tuesday. No date has been fixed for the game, but it will take place in Kochi on any day between November 12 and November 18, the sources said. They added that Australia will most likely be the opponent of the South American giants. Another source said that a member of the Argentine support staff is expected to land in Kochi on Wednesday "for venue inspection." There were ...Read More >
It was a tough night for the Indian women's football team in Shillong, as they fell 0-2 to Iran in their opening match of the Tri-Nation Women's International Friendlies. Two second-half goals from substitute Sara Didar sealed the deal for Iran and left India chasing shadows for much of the match. This game marked India's first outing since their historic AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification campaign earlier this year -- but instead of building on that momentum, the Blue Tigresses looked rusty a ...Read More >
An awkward moment unfolded at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium when sections of the crowd booed as Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn were felicitated during Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour event. The reaction appeared to stem from fans' impatience, as many had gathered primarily to see the football legend. Football legend Lionel Messi recently attended an event at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday in Mumbai. The event was also graced by Bollywood actors Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn. While fans cheered for the actors ...Read More >
Messi Kolkata Event Chaos: West Bengal Sports Minister and senior TMC leader Aroop Biswas resigned from his position in a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the mismanagement at Lionel Messi's event on December 13, 2025. The Minister had been the main target of criticism from all quarters, including civil society and opposition parties, over the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium last week. Biswas on Tuesday submitted his resignation, taking moral responsibility for the lapses in management in the event featuring Argentine football star Messi. Chief Minister Banerjee has accepted hi ...Read More >
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will not travel to India next month as reported by Sportstar. The match was originally set for November 17 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. But Anto Augustine, general director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, the friendly's sponsor, announced on social media that the game will now take place during FIFA's upcoming international match window. There was a delay in obtaining FIFA's approval for the match, Anto stated on Facebook. He said that a meeting wit ...Read More >
The Athletic FC ⚽ is The Athletic's daily football (or soccer, if you prefer) newsletter.Sign up to receive it directly to your inbox. Hello! Lionel Messi and a GOAT tour to India. What could possibly go wrong? He's a week on from winning MLS Cup with Inter Miami after three years of trying. His run to the final generated record TV viewing figures. He's headed towards his sixth World Cup, and despite his modesty, there's not a chance that he misses it, unless his body gives out. First stop f ...Read More >
Messi landed in Kolkata at 01:30 local time. Thousands lined the roads and congregated outside his hotel to catch a glimpse of him. The day began with the meet-and-greet ticket holders first up from 09:00 to 10:30. Then the day took a strange twist. A 70ft statue of Messi lifting the World Cup was unveiled by the former Barcelona icon. But he was not present - it was a virtual unveiling. He was on a video screen and pressed a button on a remote control. At this point a blue sheet dropped to r ...Read More >
Kolkata, Dec 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Confusion over claims and counter claims on who provided security to football legend Lionel Messi during his visit to Kolkata late last week which ended in fans storming the pitch and indulging in vandalism after failing to see him properly. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Tuesday rejected the claim made by West Bengal Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay that it had provided security cover to the footballer. The official account of CISF in an X post said, "It is hereby clarified that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) did not provide an ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], December 16 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken charge of the state's sports ministry, following the resignation of cabinet minister Aroop Biswas, who stepped down from his role amid a probe into the chaos that erupted during Lionel Messi's appearance at a Kolkata stadium. Accepting her minister's resignation, an official statement from the CM read that "until and unless the impartial inquiry is over, the Sports Department will be looked after by me for the time being." Also Read | 'Electricity Is a Basic Necessity': Delhi High Court Dir ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], December 16 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken charge of the state's sports ministry, following the resignation of cabinet minister Aroop Biswas, who stepped down from his role amid a probe into the chaos that erupted during Lionel Messi's appearance at a Kolkata stadium. Accepting her minister's resignation, an official statement from the CM read that "until and unless the impartial inquiry is over, the Sports Department will be looked after by me for the time being." "As per the enclosed letter, I appreciate the sentiment and intentio ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 14 (UNI) -- Mumbai has been placed under a tight security cover ahead of the visit of football legend Lionel Messi on Saturday, following chaotic incidents reported during the Kolkata leg of his 'GOAT India Tour 2025'. Mumbai police have deployed more than 2,000 personnel across South Mumbai to secure venues linked to the superstar's engagements. Senior officials said that the arrangements are comparable to those made for a World Cup final, with temporary watchtowers erected at strategic points for crowd monitoring and extensive barricading put in place to prevent unauthorised acc ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared some snippets from Lionel Messi's event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday. The Argentine legend Messi, along with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, visited Delhi after events in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. During Messi's event in Delhi, ICC chairman Jay Shah presented jerseys of the Indian Cricket team to star footballers. Messi, De Paul and Suarez also met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley. The Argentine legend and FIFA World Cup-winning player Messi a ...Read More >
Panaji: Not many Goan players have tasted success outside the state, but Trijoy Dias is confident he can make his mark at Gokulam Kerala FC.Trijoy was a lively presence on the wings for Churchill Brothers FC, scoring six times in 20 appearances in a season marred by controversies for the I-League title last season.Although the Goan side ended up runnersup to Inter Kashi FC after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) verdict, Trijoy had a fruitful season.So why move to Gokulam Kerala?"Churchill ...Read More >
Kerala Minister Abdurahiman gets angry over question about Lionel Messi's Kerala visit postponement. Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Monday lost his temper when reporters questioned him about Lionel Messi's postponed visit to the state. Cameras captured the visibly irate minister whispering something in the ear of a Malayalam news channel reporter before pushing away mics and cameras. CPI(M) MLA AC Moideen, who was with him, was also seen asking reporters to switch off their microphones ...Read More >