Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – It’s official: football legend Lionel Messi will be returning to India for the first time since 2011, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The reigning world champions will play a FIFA international friendly in Kerala in November 2025, a momentous occasion for Indian football fans and a massive win for Kerala’s growing sporting ambitions.
The fixture is part of three international matches scheduled during the FIFA window from November 10 to 18, with the other games set to be played in Luanda and Angola. While the opponents are yet to be announced, anticipation is already surging across the country.
The AFA’s official statement reads:
“The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025… The second, a FIFA friendlies in November, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India.”
This visit also puts to rest speculation surrounding Argentina’s participation in India. Earlier, the Kerala government faced criticism for reportedly allocating a substantial sum to host Messi and the team, amid rumours of the invitation being declined.
However, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman reaffirmed that the AFA has committed to the match, adding that his recent visit to Spain was not only to meet AFA officials but also to discuss Kerala’s new stadium project in Thiruvananthapuram with Spain’s Sports Council.
“The AFA has assured that the visit in November will take place with the new sponsor. Necessary security arrangements have already been requested for the team,” said the minister.
Messi’s Return: A Historic Moment
Messi’s last trip to India was in September 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela in an international friendly at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. Now, over a decade later, his return marks a rare and historic moment for Indian football, especially for Kerala, a state deeply passionate about the sport.
The announcement cements Kerala’s place on the international football map and could boost local enthusiasm, tourism, and infrastructure investment.
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