Argentina's Star-Studded Team Heading to Kerala
Kerala is rolling out the welcome mat for none other than the Argentina national football team, commanded by their legendary captain, Lionel Messi. Scheduled for a visit from October 25 to November 2, 2025, this exciting tour plans to feature some show-stopping exhibition matches. Talks are still ongoing between the Kerala government and the Argentine Football Association to iron out the details.
Kerala's Sports Minister, V Abdurahiman, confirmed this buzzworthy news, also revealing that Messi himself will grace a public event. What a treat for fans! Imagine getting to see one of the greatest footballers of all time in the flesh. He’s scheduled to appear for about 20 minutes, giving fans an unforgettable moment to cherish.
Exciting Matches Set for Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
The predominant venue for these matches is expected to be Kochi's iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Nevertheless, the exact teams they would face are still under wraps. Local football lovers are on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for more details.
On the financial side, Kerala's trade community is stepping up to provide the necessary backing. At the same time, the state government is taking charge of logistics. With plenty of moving parts, they're working hard to make sure everything goes smoothly.
However, there’s a bit of uncertainty looming around. The proposed dates fall outside FIFA's official international match windows, scheduled from October 6-14 and November 10-18 in 2025. This could mean a snag in available players, as clubs usually release them only during these windows. But let's keep our fingers crossed that everything lines up!
This trip would be Argentina's second journey to Indian soil. Messi’s squad previously visited in 2011 when they played a friendly against Venezuela in Kolkata.
On top of being a huge sporting event, the visit holds significant economic potential. The Kerala government sees it as a key opportunity to supercharge the local sports economy, with a hefty ₹5,000 crore having been pumped in from a recent sports conclave. Preparations by the Kerala Football Association are already in high gear to ensure top-notch facilities for players and fans alike.
