Lionel Messi in India! Argentina confirm their visit to Kerala: All you need to know

Players of Argentina (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images)

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Argentina have confirmed they will play a FIFA friendly match against an undisclosed opponent in Kerala, India, during November 2025. The match is scheduled between November 10 and 18, with Kochi being the likely venue.The Argentine Football Association made the announcement on their official X platform."The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendlies in the remainder of 2025. The first, in October, from the 6th to the 14th, will be played in the United States (opponents and cities to be determined)," the statement read."The second, FIFA friendlies in November, from the 10th to the 18th, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (opponents to be determined)."Kerala sports minister V Adburahiman shared the news on his social media platforms."World Champions Lionel Messi and his team will play in Kerala in November 2025," the minister informed.The Argentine Football Association had previously acknowledged their Kerala supporters after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup against France on penalties.Initially, there were uncertainties about Argentina's visit when their football association hadn't confirmed the tour, citing issues with the Kerala government regarding contract signing.The initiative to bring Argentina to Kerala gained momentum when Sports Minister Adburahiman met with Argentine Football Association officials in Spain during September 2024 to discuss arrangements.Adburahiman dismissed concerns raised by Leandro Petersen, AFA's Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, maintaining that the world champions would visit Kerala.The last time Argentina played in India was in 2011, when they faced Venezuela at Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium.

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