Lionel Messi Set for Friendly Match in Kerala, India This November

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 23 (PTI) Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team are expected to play an eagerly anticipated friendly match in Kerala this November, according to official sources from the state's sports department. While no specific date has been set, it is predicted that the match will occur in Kochi between November 12 and November 18. Sources indicate that Australia is likely to be the opponent facing the South American giants in this match. A key member of the Argentine support staff is expected to arrive in Kochi on Wednesday to conduct a venue inspection.

The announcement has quelled earlier controversies and speculations that the Argentine team would not be visiting Kerala, stemming from reports in early August. However, the reigning world champions have since confirmed their participation in a FIFA-friendly match in Kerala this November, though the opponent remains unnamed at this time. Kerala's sports minister, V Abdurahiman, has also confirmed the visit for this highly anticipated game. The Argentine Football Association noted on its official X handle that the team, under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni, will participate in two additional FIFA friendlies in 2025. The first match is scheduled for October in the United States, and the second will take place in November, spanning Kerala, India, and Luanda, Angola, with opponents yet to be determined.

Following this visit to Kerala, it is expected that Lionel Messi will embark on a multi-city tour of India in December. This tour includes scheduled stops in Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, with a planned meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative to bring the Messi-led Argentine team to Kerala initially gained traction in September 2024 when Minister Abdurahiman traveled to Spain to discuss the matter with Argentine Football Association officials. Argentina's last visit to India was in 2011, when they played against Venezuela at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.

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