World Champions Argentina Set for Kerala Match

Football fever is set to grip Kerala as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, led by Lionel Messi, will play a highly anticipated friendly match in the state between November 10 and 18, 2025. The announcement, made on Saturday via the AFA’s official X account, ends months of speculation and scheduling uncertainties, igniting excitement among Kerala’s passionate football fans.

The match, part of Argentina’s FIFA friendly window, will likely take place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, though Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with its 50,000-plus capacity, is also under consideration. The AFA stated, “The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendlies in 2025. The first, from October 6 to 14, will be in the United States, and the second, from November 10 to 18, will be in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India, with opponents to be determined.”

Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman amplified the excitement, posting on social media, “World Champions Lionel Messi and his team will play in Kerala in November 2025,” celebrating the state’s role in hosting the football giants. The event, organized in partnership with Reporter Broadcasting Company, follows a ₹130 crore agreement signed in December 2024, overcoming earlier disputes over payments and scheduling.

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Argentina’s visit marks their first return to India since 2011, when they faced Venezuela in a friendly at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, drawing over 70,000 fans. The 2022 World Cup victory, where Messi’s squad triumphed over France, sparked massive celebrations in Kerala, with the AFA publicly thanking the state’s fans for their support.

The Kerala government aims to leverage the match to boost the state’s sports ecosystem, with the AFA expressing interest in establishing football academies and coaching 5,000 local students. “This is a historic moment for Kerala’s football culture,” said Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter TV, emphasizing the event’s potential to inspire young athletes. Preparations are underway to ensure top-tier security and facilities, with sponsorships covering costs to avoid financial strain on the state.

While the opponent remains unconfirmed, potential high-profile teams like Japan or Qatar are being considered. The match will serve as a key preparatory game for Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup, adding global significance. As fans await further details, Kerala is gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that promises to cement its status as India’s football heartland.

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