Kerala to Host Messi: Grand Welcome & Roadshow In Kochi: Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Football fever is once again set to grip India as Kerala gears up to welcome the legendary Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team this November.
The visit, officially confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), marks Messi’s second trip to India, following his historic appearance in Kolkata back in 2011.
While excitement has already reached a fever pitch among fans, there’s even more reason to celebrate — Kerala’s Industries Minister P. Rajeev has hinted that fans who couldn’t secure match tickets may still get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Messi up close.
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A public roadshow in Kochi is currently under active consideration, potentially giving thousands of fans a direct glimpse of the football icon. “Messi and Argentina’s Kerala visit is moving ahead with full preparations. Venue Manager Héctor Daniel Cabrera inspected the Kochi stadium, accommodation, and security arrangements, and was very pleased with the facilities. Plans are also being discussed to let fans without tickets experience this historic moment through a roadshow.” Minister P. Rajeev posted on X.
Messi and Argentina team’s Kerala visit is moving ahead with full preparations. Venue Manager Héctor Daniel Cabrera inspected the Kochi stadium, accommodation, and security arrangements, and met our Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman. He expressed satisfaction with all facilities and…
— P Rajeev (@PRajeevOfficial) September 24, 2025
The Argentina squad is expected to arrive in Kerala on November 15, ahead of their friendly match, which will take place before November 18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Kochi. The match will be held during the FIFA international window, with Australia emerging as the most likely opponent.
According to the AFA’s official announcement, Argentina will play two friendlies towards the end of 2025 — one in the United States (October 6–14) and the second in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (November 10–18).
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Venue Manager Héctor Daniel Cabrera, who recently inspected Kochi’s facilities, reportedly expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and praised Kerala’s hospitality and readiness to host the reigning FIFA World Cup champions.
If approved, the proposed Messi roadshow would be a historic event, not just for Kerala, but for Indian football as a whole. The streets of Kochi, a city with one of the most passionate football fan bases in the country, are expected to turn into a sea of blue and white, celebrating Messi’s magic once again.
