Lionel Messi set to play in India next year as Kerala to host Argentina football team

Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced on Wednesday that the Argentina football team, featuring legendary Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match. During a press conference, the Kerala minister stated that the match would be held entirely under the supervision of the state government. “All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state,” the minister said, expressing confidence in Kerala’s ability to host the historic occasion.

Messi last played in India in 2011, when Argentina faced Venezuela in an international friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata that ended in a goalless draw. As a global football icon, Messi enjoys an immense fan following in India, a country traditionally dominated by cricket. Among his Indian admirers, Kerala stands out as a hotspot for Messi mania, where football has long been a beloved sport. Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, after his high-profile tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), further broadened his appeal in North America.

Even from thousands of miles away, his performances in MLS have captivated Indian fans, many of whom stay up late to watch his matches. Messi’s remarkable career has solidified his status as a beloved figure in the region, with fan clubs and gatherings dedicated to celebrating his achievements. Kerala’s deep-rooted football culture has embraced Messi as one of its own.