Lionel Messi-led Argentina to Play Friendly Match in Kerala

Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team are poised to face Australia in a much-anticipated friendly match scheduled to take place in Kerala, India, this November. According to official sources from the state's sports department, the game is projected for between November 12 and November 18, 2025, in Kochi.

Though initially surrounded by speculations regarding the team's visit, the Argentine Football Association put rumors to rest, confirming the match in Kerala as part of two FIFA friendlies scheduled for the remainder of 2025. The first will happen in the United States, while the game against Australia is planned for Kerala.

Following their Kerala visit, Messi and his teammates are expected to embark on a broader tour of India, including stops in major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, where Messi is set to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This move highlights the ongoing efforts to promote football in India, following Argentina's last visit in 2011.