Lionel Messi And His Argentina Team To Play Kerala Friendly In Kochi
World Cup champions Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, are set to play an international friendly match in Kochi, Kerala, this November. The announcement, confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), marks the team’s first visit to India since 2011 and has ignited immense excitement in the southern state, renowned for its passionate support of the beautiful game in general and the Albiceleste in particular.
The match is scheduled during the FIFA international window from 10 to 18 November 2025, at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, also known as Kaloor Stadium. This venue, the home of Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters, is Kerala’s premier international-standard football ground and previously hosted the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017.
Initially, plans pointed to Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield Stadium, but it was deemed unsuitable due to its cricket pitches, prompting the shift to Kochi.
The opponent remains unconfirmed, though reports suggest high-profile teams like Australia are under consideration, with another friendly slated for Luanda, Angola.
Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev expressed jubilation over the event, highlighting its broader implications. In a statement, he said: “When the Argentina team, who won the Football World Cup and stand as world champions, along with Messi… arrive in Kerala, it opens up great possibilities for us. Kerala, which loves football so much, will attract world attention.”
He emphasised the opportunity to position Kochi as a sports hub, attracting sports-related industrial investments and boosting the local economy.
The road to this confirmation was fraught with uncertainty. Plans were first floated in late 2024 by Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, who met AFA officials in Spain to discuss arrangements.
However, setbacks emerged in August 2025 when the AFA cited difficulties, leading to temporary cancellations and public disappointment. Abdurahiman later reaffirmed the visit, stating: “The world champions Lionel Messi and his team will play in Kerala in November 2025.”
The state government clarified it bears no financial burden, with sponsorship handled by private entities like the Kerala Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce.
Kerala’s affinity for Argentina is legendary, with massive fan clubs and street celebrations during the 2022 World Cup victory. Messi’s 2011 appearance in Kolkata against Venezuela drew huge crowds, and this visit is expected to surpass that, drawing tens of thousands to the stadium and millions via television. 25 Local fans, including groups like the Malappuram Argentina WhatsApp Koottayma, are planning processions and events to welcome the team.
Beyond the pitch, the event promises significant economic and touristic benefits. Rajeev noted it could elevate Kochi’s profile, fostering investments in sports infrastructure and related industries.
With Kerala’s top ranking in Ease of Doing Business, the friendly aligns with efforts to attract global firms, potentially generating jobs and positioning the state as a hub for innovation and clean technology.
