Lionel Messi's Argentina Team to Play in Kerala This November

Historic Football Event in Kerala

In an exciting announcement for football enthusiasts in India, Kerala is gearing up to host a monumental sporting event. The state's Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, has confirmed that Lionel Messi and the FIFA World Cup-winning Argentina team will participate in a friendly match in Kerala this November during the FIFA International Window.

Abdurahiman shared the news on his official Facebook page, stating, "Messi will be coming. We have received official confirmation via email that the Qatar World Cup-winning Argentina team, including Lionel Messi, will be arriving in Kerala for a friendly match in November 2025." This will mark Messi's return to India, having previously visited in September 2011 for a match against Venezuela in Kolkata, which Argentina won 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium.

Announcement by Kerala's Chief Minister

Last year, Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Facebook that the Argentina national team would be visiting Kerala this year, with expectations that the legendary Messi would also be part of the squad.

"Kerala is a place where football is cherished deeply, transcending cultural and national boundaries. The arrival of the Argentina national team, the reigning world champions, is a testament to our passion for the sport that captivates audiences worldwide. We anticipate that Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in history, will join the team," Vijayan remarked.

A Gift to Football Fans

The Chief Minister praised Kerala's dedication to football, calling this event an "extraordinary gift" for the state's sports fans, made possible through the relentless efforts of the Kerala government. He emphasized that this occasion would place Kerala prominently on the global sports map.

"This remarkable opportunity for Kerala's sports enthusiasts, once thought to be unattainable, has been realized through the tireless work of the state government. The local business community has generously agreed to cover the financial expenses. The Argentinian Football Association, which has been supportive from the outset, is expected to make an official announcement during their visit to Kerala in the coming weeks," Vijayan added.

"This will be a moment when Kerala's name resonates on the global sports stage. The Argentina team's visit will invigorate the sports culture and sector in Kerala. Let us come together to warmly welcome Messi and his team," he concluded.

Messi's Remarkable Career

In 2023, Messi was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the eighth time in his illustrious career, highlighting his exceptional talent as he approaches the twilight of his playing days.

With this accolade, Messi became the first player from Major League Soccer (MLS) to win the award, currently representing Inter Miami. He previously secured the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.

The young talent from Santa Fe, who made his professional debut in 2004, has enjoyed a career that can only be described as a fairytale.