At long last, the wait is over for Kerala’s football lovers: Argentina’s national team, captained by Lionel Messi, will be playing a friendly match in the state in November 2025. The match will be held during the FIFA International Window between 10‑18 November.
The venue is likely to be Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi, a FIFA‑standard stadium with a 40,000‑seat capacity and home to Kerala Blasters. This decision comes after earlier consideration of Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield Stadium.
While the opponent has not yet been announced, the buzz is immense, fans are eagerly anticipating seeing Messi play on Indian soil once more. The state government is racing against time to finalise logistics, ensure stadium readiness, and mount an unforgettable welcome.
This friendly match marks not just a sporting event but a cultural moment for Kerala, a chance to celebrate passion for football and global icons uniting with local pride.
