Kerala, India: The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed that the FIFA World Cup-winning Argentina national football team will play a friendly match in Kerala, India, during the November 2025 FIFA international window. The match will take place between 10 and 18 November, with Kochi emerging as the likely venue, according to the AFA’s announcement on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Official announcement from AFA
In a statement, AFA said:
“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 second, FIFA friendlies in November, from the 10th to the 18th, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (opponents to be determined).”
This will mark Argentina’s second visit to India, the first being in September 2011, when Lionel Messi captained the side in a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
Kerala sports minister confirms visit
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman took to social media to confirm the news, writing:
“World Champions Lionel Messi and his team will play in Kerala in November 2025.”
The confirmation comes after months of speculation about whether the South American giants would make the trip, with earlier reports suggesting delays due to pending contractual agreements between the Kerala government and AFA.
Long-standing connection with Kerala
Argentina has a massive fan following in Kerala, with football enthusiasts famously painting entire villages in blue and white during the FIFA World Cup. After Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout win over France in the 2022 final, AFA even acknowledged their Kerala supporters via social media, praising the region for its passionate backing.
The push to host Argentina gained momentum after Minister Abdurahiman met with AFA officials in Spain in September 2024 to finalise arrangements. He dismissed earlier concerns raised by AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Leandro Petersen, who had cited delays in signing official contracts.
Venue preparations and logistical challenges
Kochi is expected to host the high-profile clash, with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium likely to be chosen as the venue, given its capacity to accommodate over 40,000 spectators. However, officials are working to ensure that the pitch and facilities meet FIFA standards, with an inspection scheduled later this year.
Local authorities anticipate large-scale ticket demand, with hospitality packages expected to cater to high-profile attendees from across India and neighbouring countries.
Conclusion
Argentina’s visit is expected to boost Kerala’s reputation as a global sporting destination and provide Indian football fans with a rare chance to witness Lionel Messi and his teammates in action. Final details, including the opponent and ticketing arrangements, will be announced closer to the date.