---
title: "Kerala BJP Calls for CBI Probe into Alleged Messi Visit Irregularities"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/kerala-bjp-cbi-probe-messi-visit-allegations-r1q8o
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-14T10:00:26.221Z
modified: 2026-08-14T13:30:05.483Z
language: en-IN
---

# Kerala BJP Calls for CBI Probe into Alleged Messi Visit Irregularities

The BJP in Kerala has demanded a CBI investigation into alleged financial and procedural irregularities concerning a previous government's plan to host Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team. Senior leader S. Suresh cited potential swindling of funds and misuse of the state government's name.

## Key takeaways

- The BJP in Kerala has demanded a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities concerning a planned visit by Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team.
- Senior BJP leader S. Suresh alleges financial fraud, swindling of funds, and misuse of the State government's name in the proposed visit.
- The party has accused former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) of involvement in the alleged misappropriation.
- Allegations include procedural and financial irregularities, potential GST evasion, and contract amendments made without state government knowledge.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged financial and procedural irregularities linked to a past administration's plan to bring football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team to the state. The demand was made on August 14, 2026, by senior BJP leader S. Suresh.

Mr. Suresh stated at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram that the Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan should transfer the investigation into these allegations to the CBI. He described the matter as a potential fraud involving an international agreement with Argentina and other countries, alleging connections with embassies and international entities. According to Mr. Suresh, millions of rupees were purportedly swindled through the misuse of the State government's name.

The BJP leader accused former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) of involvement in the alleged misappropriation of funds. He urged the current Satheesan government to hand over the case for central investigation.

Further raising concerns, Mr. Suresh questioned if the UDF government would negotiate a settlement with the previous LDF government and Mr. Vijayan. He highlighted emerging details of alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion connected to the proposed visit. Mr. Suresh called for the registration of a criminal case and the arrest of those implicated.

Details of the alleged financial dealings are reportedly pending before Chief Minister Satheesan. Mr. Suresh claimed that the agreement for the Argentina team's visit was initially signed by a sponsor and later amended without the State government's knowledge. He also pointed to a USD 4-million penalty that was reportedly imposed for contract violations, and stated that the State government had communicated to the Argentine ambassador that this penalty would adversely affect the State's financial standing.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/kerala-bjp-cbi-probe-messi-visit-allegations-r1q8o
Reported from: Multiple Sources