After weeks of speculation, it has finally been confirmed that Lionel Messi and Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad will visit India later this year. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially announced that the reigning world champions will play a FIFA friendly in Kerala during the international window from 10 to 18 November, with the exact city and opponent yet to be finalised. Kochi is among the likely venues.
This will be Messi’s first appearance in India since 2011, when Argentina faced Venezuela in a friendly at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
In an official statement on its X account, the AFA said:
“Under Lionel Scaloni’s management, the Argentina national team will play two sets of FIFA friendlies in the remainder of 2025. The first window, from 6 to 14 October, will see matches in the United States, with opponents and venues to be confirmed. The second window, from 10 to 18 November, will feature matches in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India.”
Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman expressed delight at securing the visit, revealing that the state had actively pushed to bring the team earlier than initially planned:
“Initially, the AFA intended the tour for 2026, but we requested that it be held this year. They have now confirmed it. We aim to bring the full 2022 World Cup-winning squad. A lot of effort has gone into making this happen, and we have started planning the arrangements. Details, including the venue, will soon be discussed with the Chief Minister.”
He added that several lakh fans across Kerala are eagerly awaiting the match:
“Our intention is to give supporters a platform to see Messi play here. We will select an opponent from among FIFA’s top 50 nations. Several teams have expressed interest, including Australia, with whom we have a sports exchange agreement. Three or four other teams have also contacted us.”
Argentina last toured India 14 years ago, and their return has generated immense anticipation. The November matches come after a busy period for the Albiceleste. They have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as the first South American nation to secure a place, leading the CONMEBOL standings with 35 points from 16 games. Ecuador and Brazil follow with 25 points each, Ecuador edging ahead on goal difference.
Before their India trip, Argentina face Venezuela at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on 5 September in a World Cup qualifier, kicking off at 5:30 am Bangladesh time. It could mark Messi’s final international appearance on home soil. They then meet Ecuador in their last qualifier on 10 September.
In addition to the November fixtures, Messi is expected to return to India privately in December for the “Greatest of All Time Tour of India”, which will include visits to Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi, with events in each city close to finalisation.