The government of Kerala is in talks with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to bring the world champion football team, including Lionel Messi, to the state for two international friendlies. The matches are tentatively scheduled for the month of October 2025, and the state government is seeking the bear of traders to increase the funds for the high-profile match.
Kerala sports minister Shri. V. Abdurahiman told Argentina to play two friendlies; assures fans Lionel Messi will be part of squad. Even if the budget of this exercise runs up to anything between Rs. 30-40 crores., it appears, has its mind, and heart, firmly set to deliver Argentina – and Lionel Messi- to its people.
V. Abdurahiman, Kerala sports minister on Wednesday assured the state’s football fans that the World champion team, including their demoniac captain, will play two international friendlies but stopped short of making a formal announcement. Sports Minister also mentioned that representatives of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) will visit Kerala to finalize La Albiceleste’s trip to the Kerala within a couple of months.
During a media interaction at the state secretariat sports minister V. Abdurahiman on Wednesday declared ” The world’s No 1 football team Argentina is coming to Kerala. Lionel Messi too will be here,”
” There will be two matches. (But) It is not right on my part to make a formal announcement. That will be done by AFA,” he added.
The idea of football diplomacy seems to have the full backing of state chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan as well. CM posted on his official X handle ” Kerala is set to make history as World Cup champions Argentina are expected to visit next year! This dream is becoming a reality thanks to the state government’s efforts and the support of @AFASeleccionEN. Let’s gear up to welcome the champions and celebrate our love for football!”
Argentina’s opponents for the friendlies will be a prominent Asian side as per indications but still not been finalized. It is understood that AFA officials have requested to the state government to provide them with a list of opponents. Among the opponents AFA will pick their rivals.
After AFA team visit, the dates of the matches will also finalized, but it is understood that the state government is exploring the possibility of hosting the matches next year, October 2025.Minister claimed that Messi would return to play in India after 14 years he and Argentina first played in Kolkata in 2011 against Venezuela.
