It’s official! Lionel Messi is set to return to Indian soil. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the World Cup-winning Argentina team will play a friendly match in Kerala this November. The news, announced on Saturday, August 23, has sparked excitement among Indian football fans.
The game is set to take place in Kerala during the FIFA international window from November 10 to 18. While the opponent hasn’t been confirmed yet, the AFA has locked in India as one of the host countries for their two-match global tour. This will be Argentina’s first appearance in India since 2011, when Messi wowed a packed Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata with an assist and several stunning plays in a match against Venezuela.
Messi isn’t just coming for the match. He is expected to visit several cities, including Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi. A special meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also said to be on the cards. Earlier reports suggested Kerala wouldn’t be on Messi’s travel list, but the AFA’s official statement has now confirmed otherwise, making this a huge win for football fans in the southern state.
Before heading to India, Argentina will play another friendly match in the United States in October. The November leg will include stops in both Angola and India.
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Messi is enjoying a stellar 2025 season with Inter Miami. He recently became the club’s top scorer and assist provider making history as the only player to hold this record at three different clubs: Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami.
Fans across India are eagerly awaiting more details. One thing is clear: the GOAT is coming, and it’s going to be unforgettable.