Kerala expands Messi event inquiry, ex-minister in spotlight

Kerala's investigative agencies have intensified their scrutiny of the arrangements made by the outgoing administration to facilitate Argentina's international football match featuring star player Lionel Messi in the port city of Kochi. The expanded inquiry is examining whether proper procedures were followed in organizing the high-profile sporting event.

The probe, which was initially focused on select aspects of the event organization, has now widened in scope to cover additional areas of concern. Authorities are investigating allegations of procedural lapses and possible financial irregularities in how the match was greenlit and arranged by the previous government.

Former Sports Minister of Kerala is expected to be summoned for questioning as the investigation deepens. Officials indicated that the ex-minister's role in facilitating the event will come under close examination, particularly regarding decision-making processes and approvals granted during the planning phase.

The Argentina national team's scheduled visit to Kerala was intended to be a major sporting spectacle for the state. However, the change in government has triggered official scrutiny into whether all regulatory and procedural requirements were properly adhered to during the event's conception and initial planning stages.

The investigation comes amid broader questions about event management practices and governance standards in Kerala's sports administration. Authorities have not specified a timeline for completing the inquiry or detailed the specific irregularities being examined.