Lionel Messi & Argentina will play in Kerala this November 2025: All details here

Lionel Messi & Argentina will play in Kerala this November 2025

Football lovers in India have big news to celebrate. The Argentina national team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, has officially confirmed that they will play in Kerala during November 2025. The announcement came from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The AFA has announced that Argentina will play two FIFA friendlies later this year. The first will take place in the United States between October 6 and 14. The second series of matches will be held between November 10 and 18, with Luanda in Angola and Kerala in India chosen as venues. While the opponents are yet to be confirmed, Kerala is the frontrunner to host the South American champions, with Trivandrum likely to be the venue.

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman shared the update on social media, confirming the arrival of Lionel Messi and his team. “World Champions Lionel Messi and his team will play in Kerala in November 2025,” he posted.

This isn’t the first time Argentina have acknowledged their huge following in Kerala. After winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022, the team shared a special message appreciating the massive fan base from the state.

Initially, there were doubts about whether the Argentina tour to India would go ahead. The AFA had earlier raised concerns over contractual issues with the Kerala government. However, the matter was resolved after Sports Minister Abdurahiman met AFA officials in Spain in September 2024 to finalize the arrangements.

The visit will mark Argentina’s return to India after 14 years. Their last appearance was in 2011, when they played against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

For Indian fans, especially in Kerala, this upcoming clash promises to be a historic moment. Watching Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentina squad live on Indian soil is something that many have been waiting for.

When is Argentina playing in India in 2025?

Argentina will play a FIFA friendly match in Kerala, India, between November 10 and 18, 2025. The exact date and opponent will be confirmed soon.

Where will Argentina’s match be held in Kerala?

Trivandrum is the most likely venue for the Argentina friendly in Kerala. The official confirmation of the stadium is expected closer to the match.

Will Lionel Messi play in Kerala in 2025?

Yes, Lionel Messi is expected to be part of the Argentina squad visiting Kerala in November 2025, as confirmed by Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman and the Argentine Football Association.

Has Argentina played in India before?

Yes, Argentina last played in India in 2011 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where they faced Venezuela. The Kerala visit in 2025 will mark their return after 14 years.

Why did Argentina choose Kerala for a friendly match?

Kerala is known for having one of the largest Argentina football fan bases outside South America. The AFA also acknowledged the love from Kerala supporters after their 2022 FIFA World Cup win.

How can fans watch Argentina’s match in Kerala?

Details about ticket sales and broadcast rights are yet to be announced. Updates will be shared by the Kerala government and the AFA closer to the match dates.

Zayn Abdul