Is Lionel Messi headed to India? Kerala gearing up to host Argentina for two friendly matches in 2025

Argentina national team, headlined by Lionel Messi, might well be headed to India next year.

The development comes after Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman revealed that the Kerala Government has an understanding with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to host two games involving La Albiceleste in Kerala in 2025.

There have been rumours about the same after a delegation led by V Abdurahiman met AFA officials in Spain earlier this year.

It seems the plan is to host two friendly matches in the football-mad state of Kerala, with the opponents and venues set to be decided later.

Kerala is one of the few regions in India which is consumed by their love for football. And the state has huge fandom for South American teams, especially Argentina.

It was evident during the 2022 World Cup as well, when there were public watch parties and processions after Argentina's victory in Doha.

The Kerala Govt is trying to capitalise on that following by hosting Argentina for two matches. The state government will be organising the matches with the financial help from various merchant organisations in the state like the Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association.

V Abdurahiman, Kerala's Sports Minister, met the media on Wednesday and said that the AFA have given their permission for the two matches.

"Argentina are the world's best football team and the two matches involving them will be held next year, with financial help from Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association and other merchant organisations. The government will be organising the games. Messi is also expected to part of the team," he said.

"A delegation from AFA will be visiting Kerala in the next 45 days and we will be announcing the matches officially together. AFA will be announcing the dates and opponents. They will also visit various venues and choose one which can hold at least 50000 fans," he added.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also shared his views on Argentina's proposed visit via social media.

Kerala's love for football and especially, Argentina, needs no introduction. The region has always been infatuated with Brazil and Argentina.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar also had a lot of Malayali flavour with fans celebrating Messi's crowning glory with fanatic fervour all across the state.

Also, the last time Messi came to India was in 2011 when Argentina played Venezuela at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata in a friendly.

Argentina are flying high in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, having beaten Peru 1-0 in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

And again, it was Messi who shone with a delicious asssit for Lautaro Martinez to notch the winner. It was also his 58th assist in international football, equalling the all-time record held by USA's Landon Donovan.