Kerala Braces for a Historic Football Fiesta as Messi-Led Argentina Arrives in November
Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, August 2025 – The state of Kerala is abuzz with excitement following the Argentina Football Association's (AFA) confirmation that the legendary Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions will visit for a FIFA international friendly this November
Match Window: November 10–18, 2025
Messi and his team are scheduled to play in Kerala between November 10 and 18, coinciding with the official FIFA international match window. Kerala joins other host stops including Luanda, Angola, as part of Argentina’s late-season friendly tour.
Venue: Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Multiple top-tier outlets confirm that the historic friendly is slated to be held at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, positioning the capital as a global sporting destination .
From Planning to Confirmation: A Long-Awaited Moment
Kerala’s sports minister, V. Abdurahiman, has been at the forefront of efforts to bring the global football icon to the state. Despite earlier concerns—ranging from sponsorship disputes to scheduling complications—his persistence has paid off with an official green light from AFA.
The journey began in Qatar 2022, when Kerala’s immense support for Argentina during the World Cup resonated deeply with the team. Months of negotiation culminated in a partnership deal with Reporter Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd, which backed the visit through corporate sponsorship.
What’s Next for Fans?
Exact match dates, ticketing, and the opponent are still pending confirmation. Sports minister Abdurahiman assured that discussions are underway and that multiple top-50 FIFA-ranked teams—including Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and even Brazil—have expressed interest in facing Argentina