Kerala Awaits Messi, Mac Allister But is Emiliano Martínez Set to Play?

Football fever is gripping Kerala as the Argentina national team, fresh off their Qatar World Cup triumph, prepares to touch down in Kochi for a blockbuster international friendly against Australia on November 17, 2025. The 18-member squad—announced by event organizers Reporter Live, the proud sponsors behind this historic fixture—promises a star-studded spectacle at the revamped Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, led by manager Lionel Scaloni and eternal captain Lionel Messi himself.

Headlining the roster are the unbeatable duo of Messi and World Cup hero Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, the Aston Villa shot-stopper whose heroics in penalty shootouts sealed Argentina's glory. Joining them is Liverpool's midfield maestro Alexis Mac Allister, ensuring a blend of flair and grit that has defined the Albiceleste's dominance. The full lineup, drawn largely from the Qatar conquerors, reads like a dream team: Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolás Otamendi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Tagliafico, Juan Foyth, Marcos Acuña, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Nico González, Thiago Almada, Cristian Romero, and Nahuel Molina.

Notably absent are a few familiar faces from the World Cup parade, including the elegant Ángel Di María—who hasn't donned the blue-and-white since lifting the trophy—alongside Lisandro Martínez, Paulo Dybala, Germán Pezzella, Guido Rodríguez, Ángel Correa, Alejandro "Papu" Gómez, Franco Armani, and Gerónimo Rulli. These omissions reflect a mix of rest rotations, club commitments, and Scaloni's tactical tweaks ahead of future qualifiers, but the core remains a force of nature, with Martínez's inclusion quashing any doubts about the goalkeeping department's firepower in Kochi's humid embrace.

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This isn't just a match; it's a milestone for Indian football. Reporter TV, helmed by Managing Director Anto Augustine, has poured resources into elevating the Kaloor venue to FIFA-grade splendor, allocating a whopping Rs 70 crore for upgrades that include state-of-the-art pitches, enhanced seating, and top-tier facilities. "We're transforming JLN Stadium into a world-class arena worthy of the champions," Augustine declared, emphasizing the event's role in boosting Kerala's sports tourism profile. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently chaired a high-level review, greenlighting stringent security, medical protocols, and even fan interaction sessions to make it an unforgettable fiesta for Messi's legions of admirers.

For Kerala, a state where football pulses through the veins like monsoon rain, this visit—Messiah's first since 2011—ignites dreams of glory. Fans from across the globe are snapping up tickets, envisioning that signature Messi magic under the floodlights against a plucky Australian side eager for revenge after past encounters. As preparations hit fever pitch, one thing's clear: When the whistle blows on November 17, Kochi won't just host a game—it'll etch a chapter in football folklore, with Dibu Martínez standing sentinel and the GOAT ready to dazzle. Will Argentina's samba sweep India off its feet? The countdown is on.

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