Kerala High Court seeks state response on Anto Augustine plea over Messi visit FIR

The Kerala High Court has issued a formal notice and sought the state government's response regarding a petition filed by <b>Anto Augustine</b>. The petitioner is seeking to quash a First Information Report connected to an alleged funds misappropriation scheme. The case stems from a failed attempt to bring the Argentina football team and its then captain <b>Lionel Messi</b> to the state for an international friendly match in 2025. A Special Investigation Team previously registered the FIR, accusing the managing director of conspiring to add fake details into an agreement. Investigators alleged the conspiracy aimed to cheat the state government and secure an exemption from a substantial security deposit for the <b>Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium</b>. The ongoing legal proceedings follow multiple searches conducted across several locations linked to the case.