Indian football fans recently faced a double blow as superstar Cristiano Ronaldo skipped a highly anticipated match in Goa and Lionel Messi's planned friendly in Kerala was called off. These absences have left millions of supporters across the nation deeply disappointed, highlighting ongoing challenges in bringing top-tier international football events to India. The developments occurred in October and November 2025, respectively.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} ### Ronaldo Misses AFC Champions League Two Clash Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Saudi club Al-Nassr, did not travel to India for his team's AFC Champions League Two match against FC Goa on October 22, 2025.^{[6][7][8][9][10][4]} This competitive fixture at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao was widely seen as potentially the biggest game in Indian club football history.^[1] Fans had eagerly awaited the chance to see the five-time Ballon d'Or winner play live on Indian soil.^[1][2][10] Hotels in Goa had even reserved presidential suites in anticipation of his arrival.^[1] Al-Nassr's head coach, Jorge Jesus, confirmed that Ronaldo was rested for the India trip.^[7] The decision aimed to manage the 40-year-old's workload and keep him fresh for upcoming crucial matches in Saudi Arabia.^[7][10][4] Reports suggest Ronaldo's contract allows him to opt out of away matches outside Saudi Arabia, a clause he reportedly utilized to prioritize his fitness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.^{[8][9][10][4]} FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur had expressed the club's excitement, noting the match's significance for fans and the growth of football in Goa.^[1] Despite multiple requests from FC Goa to include Ronaldo, the club's efforts were unsuccessful.^[6][8] The match proceeded with other prominent players like Sadio Mané. ^[7] ### Messi's Kerala Friendly Postponed Adding to the fan disappointment, Lionel Messi's planned FIFA friendly match in Kerala for November 2025 was postponed. ^{[11][1][3][12][13][5]}The Argentina national team, led by Messi, was scheduled to play Australia in Kochi on November 17. ^{[11][12][13][5]}Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman first announced the potential visit in November 2024, generating immense excitement among the state's passionate football supporters. ^[13]The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi was slated to host the game. ^[12][13] However, the friendly was eventually called off due to delays in securing approval from FIFA. ^{[11][3][12][5]}The Argentina Football Association (AFA) later announced that the team would instead travel to Spain for training and play a single friendly against Angola on November 14. ^[5]This came despite continuous assurances from Kerala government officials and the event sponsor, Anto Augustine of Reporter Broadcasting Company, that the match would go ahead. ^[13][5]Augustine stated that his company had already paid ₹130 crore for the tour and threatened legal action against the AFA for breach of contract. Th^[13]is is not the first time India has missed out on hosting Messi's national team. In 2023, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) reportedly turned down an opportunity to host Argentina due to the high costs involved, estimated at $4-5 million (₹32-40 crore). ###^[14] A Different Kind of Messi Visit Still On Despite the cancellation of the Kerala friendly, Lionel Messi has officially confirmed a separate "GOAT Tour of India 2025" scheduled for December. This^{[15][12][16][17][18][19]} tour, which is a series of public events rather than competitive matches, will see the Argentine superstar visit four Indian cities. The ^{[15][12][17][18][19]}itinerary includes Kolkata on December 13, followed by Ahmedabad and Mumbai on December 14, and concluding in New Delhi on December 15. Dur^{[15][12][16][17][18][19]}ing the tour, Messi is expected to participate in various engagements, including concerts, football masterclasses, and meet-and-greet sessions. In K^{[15][12][17][19]}olkata, he is slated to share the field with Indian sporting legends like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes. The ^{[15][12][17][19]}tour will also feature the unveiling of his largest-ever statue and a 25x20-foot mural during Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. Mess^[16][17][19]i will also headline a Padel GOAT Cup in Mumbai, potentially alongside Bollywood stars and cricket icons. The ^[15][12]tour is expected to conclude with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Mess^{[12][17][18][19]}i himself expressed his anticipation for the trip, saying, "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." His la^{[15][12][17][18][19]}st visit to India was in 2011 when Argentina played Venezuela in a friendly in Kolkata. ### F^{[15][12][17][19]}an Frustration and Indian Football's Challenge The recent string of missed opportunities for Indian fans to witness competitive matches involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has sparked widespread frustration. Social media platforms and news reports reflect a sentiment of disappointment and a feeling that global football icons, or the organizers, may be taking Indian fans for granted. Many f^[2][20][21]ans had made significant plans, including booking flights and tickets, to attend these high-profile events. This ^[2]situation underscores India's ongoing struggle for greater recognition in the global football landscape. Despite the growing popularity of the Indian Super League (ISL) and improved football infrastructure, the country often remains peripheral on the international stage. The re^[4]peated disappointments raise questions about the professionalism of event planning and the ability to deliver on highly anticipated promises. While ^[2]Messi's upcoming "GOAT Tour" offers a chance for fans to engage with the legend, the absence of competitive play leaves a void for a nation eager to establish itself as a serious football destination. The i^[2][4]ncidents serve as a reminder that for India to truly thrive in football, it must focus on cultivating domestic talent and building a robust ecosystem that can attract and sustain top-tier competitive events independently of superstar appearances. META_^[4]TITLE: Ronaldo, Messi Miss India Matches; Fans Disappointed