Football: World champions Argentina will play a friendly match in Kerala from November 10-18, 2025. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed this. It is not yet clear whether Lionel Messi will participate in the match. The visit is being made in gratitude for the huge support that Argentina received from Kerala during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
AFA official statement: Match confirmed in Kerala
According to an official statement released by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Saturday (August 23, 2025), the Lionel Scaloni-led Argentina team will play in two FIFA friendlies in 2025. Two matches will be played in the United States between October 6-14, and one match each in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India between November 10-18. The Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is likely to be the venue for the match. However, the opponent team is yet to be finalized.
Thank you to the Kerala fans for their support.
The Argentine team received a huge outpouring of support from Kerala when they won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In gratitude for the support, the AFA posted on social media, saying, “Thank you Bangladesh, Kerala, India, Pakistan . Your support is amazing.” In light of this, the Argentine team is set to play a friendly match in Kerala.
Confusion in the past, clarity now
There has been some confusion over the tour in the past. While AFA official Leandro Peterson alleged breach of contract, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman dismissed them. Reporter said that the event was being organised with the financial assistance of a broadcasting company.All doubts are put to rest with the latest AFA announcement.
Uncertainty over Messi’s arrival
It is not yet known whether Lionel Messi will attend the friendly match. However, there are reports that Messi is likely to visit India for a personal visit in December 2025. During this visit, he may visit Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. This tour may include events like Messi’s statue unveiling, ‘GOAT Concert’, and ‘GOAT Cup’ as part of the ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025′ .
Messi’s last tour of India
Messi last visited India in 2011. Argentina won 1-0 in a friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Nicolas Otamendi scored a goal in that match. Messi has not been to India since then. This match in Kerala will be an unforgettable experience for the fans.
Football excitement in Kerala
The popularity of football in Kerala is well known. During the 2022 World Cup, roads and houses in Kerala were decorated with Argentine flags and pictures of Messi. The Kerala government is organizing this event in collaboration with Reporter Broadcasting Company. This match has the potential to further enhance the football culture of Kerala .
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