Messi and Argentina will play a match in Kerala
The World Cup-winning Argentine national team and Lionel Messi will play a friendly match in Kerala this November, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has formally confirmed after months of conjecture. On Saturday, August 23, the confirmation dispels any questions that had been raised about the visit.
“In the remaining months of 2025, the Argentine national team, captained by Lionel Scaloni, will play two FIFA friendlies. The first will take place in the United States from October 6th to the 14th; the opponents and locations will be decided. The AFA stated in its official statement that the second match would take place in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India, from November 10 to the 18th (opponents to be decided).
The state government and Reporter Broadcasting Company are in charge of making plans for the Kerala leg, which is anticipated to include an exhibition match at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Information about the opponent and the date of the match will be released soon.
An expression of appreciation for Kerala
The Argentine team decided to travel to India because of the fervent support that Keralan fans showed during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
In September 2024, V. Abdurahiman, Kerala’s Sports Minister, declared that Argentina would visit the state as a thank you. In a social media post, he said, “The Argentine team is excited to interact with Kerala’s football supporters, whose love and support have been extraordinary.”
Collaboration and sponsorship
The Kerala government invited the AFA despite early reservations about the expense of hosting the world champions. On December 20, 2024, Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited and the association inked a management agreement for the event.
The task of finding a well-known opponent for the exhibition match has also been taken on by the company.
Schedule of matches and wider effects
Messi and his colleagues will take a direct flight to Kerala after international matches against Ecuador on September 10, 2025, and Venezuela on September 5. The game will be even more important because it will be part of Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup at Greenfield Stadium.
Beyond the actual game, the visit is anticipated to invigorate Kerala’s athletic community. The AFA has indicated interest in working with the state on football development programs, which might lead to training camps, talent scouting, and grassroots projects.
