The Indian football fans have received a massive news as they might witness Lionel Messi’s presence later in the year. On Saturday, August 23, Argentina Football Association (AFA) took X to confirm their
venues for FIFA friendlies. According to the update, the Lionel Messi-led side will travel to India in November 2025, however, their fixtures are yet to be confirmed.
Furthermore, a clarity on Messi’s presence is still awaited, but the Albiceleste will also travel to Luanda, Angola before coming to Kerala in India in November this year. Notably, this move from the Argentina team comes in gratitude for support the team got during their FIFA World Cup triumph in 2022. Following their victory, the Albiceleste took to X to write, “Thank you Bangladesh. Thak you Kerala, India, Pakistan. Your support was wonderful!”
Lionel Messi-led Argentina to travel to Kerala between November 10-18, 2025: AFA
In a statement, the Seleccion Argentina wrote, “The Argentina 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 e determined).” “The second, FIFA friendlies in November, from 10th to the 18th , will be played in Luanda, Angola and Kerala, India (opponents to be determined)”, the statement further added.
While Kochi is being speculated to host the Argentina side, the Kerala Sports Minister V Adburahiman took to X to share the news. “World champions Lionel Messi and his team will play in Kerala in November 2025,” the minister informed. Notably, Argentina last played in India was in 2011, when they faced Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
