Kochi: Football fans in Kerala are set for a historic moment as Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will play a FIFA friendly match in Kochi between November 10 and 18, 2025. Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed the news after discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), marking Argentina’s second visit to India since their 2011 match in Kolkata.

The AFA officially announced that Argentina will play two international friendlies later this year—one in the United States in October and the other split between Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India, in November. The opponents for both fixtures are yet to be confirmed.

Messi’s visit has been long anticipated, with the AFA previously acknowledging the passionate Kerala fan base after their 2022 World Cup triumph. Though initial doubts arose due to contract issues, the confirmation now sets the stage for one of the biggest football events ever hosted in India.