The minister said all documents required for FIFA approval were submitted on Friday night.

“The match can still take place in this (planned) window if FIFA approval is received immediately. The sponsors probably meant that if it doesn’t happen now, it will be held during the next international window,” he said.

He added that inspections at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi are complete.

“Currently, the stadium uses halogen lights, which take time to turn on. We have issued a tender to replace them with new lights. Fire and safety audits are done, and only FIFA approval remains pending. We hope to get it by this week,” he said.

Abdurahiman said FIFA can grant approval based on the current stadium arrangements.

“We were asked to submit some additional papers, which we have done. We expect approval at FIFA’s next meeting,” he said.

He explained that the Thiruvananthapuram stadium was rejected due to the rough field conditions. “Though the Kochi stadium is in good shape, a few minor issues have delayed FIFA’s approval,” he said.

The minister also mentioned that Messi could have visited Kerala alone, but the government preferred hosting a full Argentine team match. “A Messi roadshow would not benefit the sports sector, so we wanted the full team match. We do not view the delay negatively,” he said.

He added that some people from Kerala had written to FIFA raising concerns about the stadium.

“AFA representatives visited and were satisfied with the facilities, but emails from certain individuals here caused delays. Our own people are behind blocking of the event,” he said.

Earlier, AFA representatives had visited the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi to assess the facilities.

The Argentina national team was expected to play a top international side in the friendly match in Kochi.