Watching Lionel Messi play in India is a dream for all football lovers in the nation and that dream almost came true.
However, a chance to host World Cup champions Argentina in a friendly was rejected by the All India Football Federation due to budget constraints.
The Argentine Football Association had two slots available for friendlies during the ongoing international window and was open to playing India.
According to a report in the Times of India, Messi’s side would have commanded a staggering appearance fee of approx. ₹32-40 crore.
'The kind of money that Argentina command is huge and we have limitations in terms of our economic situation in football,' AIFF secretary general confirmed.