Lionel Messi and Argentina set to face off in territorial first match in Kerala, AFA officially announces for November

Lionel Messi and his World Cup-winning teammates are set to visit India for the first time, as Argentina has scheduled a friendly match in Kerala in November 2025. The announcement has been made official by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Kerala Football Association (KFA), with the support of the Kerala government.

The match, which is part of Argentina's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, is being hailed as a significant event for Indian football. The Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is the most likely venue for the historic encounter.

The Kerala government is preparing to provide full support for security, hospitality, and crowd management for the match. The state is known for its passionate support of South American football, with generations idolizing players from Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi.

While Messi is widely expected to lead the squad, the official team list will be announced closer to the fixture. The match is generating excitement among football fans nationwide, especially in Kerala, as it is considered a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Indian football.

The Kerala Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, revealed the development on social media, stating that the match will be a dream come true for many fans. Authorities anticipate a massive turnout for the event, with the fixture being held during the FIFA International Match Window.

The Kerala Football Association (KFA) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are finalising logistics for the match, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for both the teams and the fans. The match in Kerala is being regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to witness a World Cup-winning team live in India.

For decades, Kerala's football culture has been deeply connected to Argentina. The upcoming match is a testament to this bond, as the state looks forward to welcoming Messi and his teammates with open arms. As preparations continue, anticipation for the match continues to grow, making it a highly anticipated event in the Indian football calendar.

Lionel Messi and Argentina set to face off in territorial first match in Kerala, AFA officially announces for November