Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Aug 23: Putting an end to speculation, reigning world champions Argentina, likely to be led by Lionel Messi, have confirmed that they will play a FIFA friendly in Kerala this November.
The match, scheduled between November 10 and 18, is likely to take place in Kochi. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on its official X handle that the team, under coach Lionel Scaloni, will play two FIFA friendlies in October and November. While the October fixtures will be held in the United States, the November friendlies are set for Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India. The opponents are yet to be confirmed.
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman also shared the update on social media, stating, “World Champions Lionel Messi and his team will play in Kerala in November 2025.”
Argentina enjoys a massive fan base in Kerala. After their 2022 World Cup triumph, the AFA had thanked supporters from the state for their overwhelming love. Earlier, doubts had been raised over Argentina’s visit after initial communication gaps between the association and the Kerala government.
This will be Argentina’s second visit to India, the first being in 2011 when they played Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.