Lionel Messi and Argentina National Team Set to Visit Kerala in November

Exciting Announcement for Football Fans in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], August 23: The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially announced that Lionel Messi and the national football team will be in Kerala from November 10 to 18.

Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Ltd, which is the Kerala government's official partner for this event, confirmed the news, stating, “The Argentine Football Association has officially confirmed Messi and the team’s visit to Kerala from November 10 to 18. I urge the people of Kerala and Messi fans nationwide to celebrate this occasion.”

Previously, Kerala's Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman also verified that Messi and his FIFA World Cup-winning team would participate in a friendly match in the state during the FIFA International Window this November.

On his official Facebook page, Abdurahiman shared, “Messi will come. We have received official confirmation via email that the Qatar World Cup-winning Argentina team, including Lionel Messi, will arrive in Kerala for a friendly match in the November 2025 FIFA International Window.”

Messi first visited India in September 2011, where he played against Venezuela in Kolkata, leading his team to a 1-0 victory at Salt Lake Stadium.

Last year, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Facebook that the Argentina national team would visit Kerala this year, expressing hope that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner would join them.

“Kerala is a place where football is cherished with immense passion, crossing the boundaries of nations and cultures. The arrival of the Argentina national team, the reigning world champions, to Kerala next year reflects our love for the sport that captivates the globe. It is anticipated that Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers ever, will also be part of the team,” Vijayan remarked.

Praising Kerala for its enthusiasm for football, the Chief Minister noted that this “extraordinary gift” to the sports fans of the state was made possible through the relentless efforts of the Kerala government.

He added that this event would place Kerala prominently on the global sports map.

“This remarkable gift to Kerala’s sports enthusiasts, which many thought was unattainable, was achieved only through the tireless efforts of the state government. The business community in Kerala has generously agreed to cover the financial expenses. The Argentine Football Association, which has been supportive from the start, is expected to make an official announcement during their visit to Kerala in the coming weeks,” Vijayan stated.

“This will be a moment when Kerala’s name resonates on the global sports stage. The arrival of the Argentina team will invigorate Kerala’s sports culture and the entire sports sector. Let us come together in excitement to warmly welcome Messi and his team,” he added.

In 2023, Messi received the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the eighth time in his illustrious career, a testament to his brilliance as he approaches the twilight of his career.

With this accolade, Messi became the first player from Major League Soccer (MLS) to win this esteemed award, representing Inter Miami. He previously won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.

The young boy from Santa Fe, who made his debut in 2004, has had a career that can only be described as a fairytale.