Lionel Messi’s Argentina Set to Play In Kerala In November, Confirms AFA

After weeks of speculation, it is now official: Argentina, the reigning world champions, will play a FIFA international friendly in Kerala this November. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed the news in its latest announcement, ending uncertainty over the team’s travel plans.

The match is scheduled during the international window from November 10 to 18 and is likely to be held in Kochi. It will be part of Argentina’s two-match friendly tour, with the other fixture set to take place in Luanda. Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman also confirmed the development, calling it a “historic moment” for the football-loving state. He noted that fans would finally get the rare opportunity to watch Lionel Messi and his teammates in action on Indian soil.

In a statement posted on X, the AFA said the national team, managed by Lionel Scaloni, will play two sets of friendlies before the end of the year. The first series will be held in the United States from October 6 to 14, with details of opponents yet to be announced. The second series will feature matches in Luanda and Kerala in November, with venues and opposition to be confirmed closer to the dates.

For Kerala, the announcement carries special significance. The state has long been known for its passionate support of Argentina, a bond that strengthened after Messi’s rise and the country’s 2022 World Cup triumph. The AFA had even acknowledged the outpouring of love from Kerala fans after the Qatar win, highlighting the unique connection that spans continents.

Argentina last played in India in 2011, when they faced Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata—a match still remembered as a landmark event for Indian football. Fourteen years later, the Kerala fixture is set to be another milestone, especially with Messi still part of the squad. The friendly will also mark a rare occasion where a reigning world champion team plays in India, underscoring the country’s growing visibility as a destination for top-tier international football. For Argentina, the visit reflects a broader effort to deepen global fan engagement by taking matches beyond traditional football hubs.