Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Saturday confirmed that the Argentina football team, which includes star player Lionel Messi, will arrive in Kerala in November this year to play a friendly match. The announcement has brought joy to football lovers in the state, who have long wished to see Messi and his team play live in Kerala.
The minister spoke to reporters after the Argentina Football Association (AFA) officially announced that their national team, managed by Lionel Scaloni, would be playing two friendly matches – one in Luanda, Angola and the other in Kerala.
Minister Abdurahiman revealed that Kerala had originally asked AFA to schedule the match in either October or November this year. He said, “Initially, AFA planned it for 2026. However, we contacted them and requested that they hold the match in Kerala this year. Now, AFA has officially confirmed it. We intend to bring the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup.”
Expressing happiness over the confirmation, the minister said, “A lot of effort has gone into bringing the Argentina football team to Kerala. We have started planning the rest of the arrangements and will soon discuss the details, including the venue, with the Chief Minister.”
He made it clear that the state government has already begun preparing for the big event.
Fans in Kerala eagerly waiting
The minister also pointed out that the state’s football culture and love for the game are the main reasons for hosting such a big event.
He said several lakh football fans in Kerala are waiting to watch the Argentina team play. “Our intention is to provide a platform for fans to see Messi play in Kerala,” he said, adding that the event will be a dream come true for football supporters.
Abdurahiman further explained that the event has already received the necessary approvals. He said that both the Union sports ministry and the Reserve Bank of India have cleared the plan, and a government order has been issued to move things forward.
Opposition team yet to be finalised
On the question of which team will play against Argentina, the minister said that a final decision has not been taken yet.
“We will select a team from among FIFA’s top 50. Several teams have approached us. The Australian football team has expressed interest, and we also have a sports exchange agreement with them. Similarly, three or four other teams have contacted us.”