Lionel Messi’s Argentina to Play FIFA Friendly in Kerala: AFA Confirms Visit

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has formally announced that Lionel Messi's Argentina will play a FIFA friendly match at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in November. This news is cause for celebration among Indian football fans.

Argentina will play two FIFA friendlies later this year, according to the AFA. The first will take place in the United States from October 6–14, and the other two will take place in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India, from November 10–18. Later on, the opponents for both games will be announced.

Following weeks of ambiguity and contradictory remarks regarding Argentina's trip to India, this confirmation has finally been made. Messi's meeting with AFA officials was first announced by Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, who later stated that the agreement had not been reached. Leandro Petersen, the chief marketing officer for AFA, accused the Kerala government of breaching the agreement, sparking a verbal spat.

The official confirmation has rekindled enthusiasm among fans throughout India, particularly in Kerala, where Messi has a legendary fan base, despite the confusion. During Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, the state saw wild celebrations, and this forthcoming match is thought to be a tribute to Kerala's fervent support.

It is still unknown, though, if Lionel Messi will be included in the team going to India.

Messi's India Tour in December

According to separate reports, Messi is scheduled to start a four-city solo tour of India in December 2025, starting in Kolkata on December 12 and stopping in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Messi will be returning to India following his friendly match against Venezuela in 2011 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Football fans in the nation are preparing for a memorable end to 2025 with Argentina's confirmed visit and Messi's possible India tour.