New Delhi | March 26, 2025:
In a historic moment for Indian football enthusiasts, Argentina’s national football team, captained by global icon Lionel Messi, is officially set to visit India in October 2025 to play an international friendly match. The game is scheduled to take place in the football-loving state of Kerala, which is already buzzing with anticipation.
This marks the first visit by Lionel Messi to India in 14 years, his previous appearance being in 2011 during a friendly against Venezuela held in Kolkata. His return has reignited massive excitement among fans, who are eager to witness the FIFA World Cup-winning captain play on Indian soil once again.
⚽ A Major Boost for Indian Football
The friendly match is part of Argentina’s post-World Cup international calendar and comes as a collaborative effort between All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Government of Kerala, and international sports agencies. Organizers are optimistic that the match will:
- Inspire a new generation of Indian footballers
- Boost the popularity of football beyond traditional hubs
- Showcase India’s readiness to host high-profile international sporting events
🏟️ Venue and Ticketing Details Coming Soon
While the exact stadium and match date are yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that the match may take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, which has previously hosted FIFA U-17 World Cup matches and is one of the premier football venues in the country.
Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, with Messi’s presence alone projected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the nation and beyond. Sports tourism operators have already reported a spike in inquiries for travel packages to Kerala.
🌍 India on the Global Football Map
The event is a significant development in India’s growing engagement with global football culture, and further fuels the country’s aspirations to host larger FIFA tournaments in the future.
This visit also aligns with broader efforts to improve India’s football infrastructure, youth training systems, and international exposure for domestic players.
With Lionel Messi’s participation, the event promises to be not just a football match, but a once-in-a-generation sporting spectacle.
