Lionel Messi and Argentina football team to play in India's Kerala in 2025, says state's sport minister

Lionel Messi and the 2022 World Cup winner, Argentina football team, could soon be seen playing India, Kerala to be more specific. This revelation was made by Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Wednesday who said the Messi-led Argentina team will be in the state next year for an international match. “The world’s number one football team, Argentina, comprising Lionel Messi, is coming to Kerala,” he said.

Abdurahiman also added that the traders of the state will be bearing the cost of bringing Messi and Argentina’s football team to Kerala. “All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state,” Abdurahiman said while highlighting that the international friendly will be held under the complete supervision of the Kerala state government.

Messi to visit India for 2nd time

Abdurahiman did not disclose the date or the venue for the match but revealed that the details about the international match comprising Argentina will be announced shortly along with the Argentina national team management.

“We (government) have decided to make a joint announcement in this regard with the Argentina national team management.”

Abdurahiman, however, hinted that Kochi which is also the home of Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters could be the potential venue for the match as they are expecting a big crowd to attend the match. He also added that the reason they are inviting the Argentine football team to Kerala is the fact that India has the biggest support base of the South American football team and one-fourth of them reside in Kerala only.

In clear terms, Abdurahiman also clarified that the arrival of the Argentina football team in Kerala has already been finalized and there will be no changes to the plans.

Messi last visited India in 2011 when he was still playing for Barcelona. He was part of the Argentina squad that faced Venezuela at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium. In that match, Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal to secure Argentina’s victory.