Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team will return to India in 2025 after 14 years for an international friendly match in Kerala. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed the event, which will be fully supported by local merchants. While the opponent team is yet to be announced, discussions with the Argentina Football Association indicate promising arrangements for this high-profile event.
Lionel Messi and the Argentine national football team are set to return to India for the first time in 14 years, following their victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Scheduled for a friendly match in Kerala in 2025, this significant event was confirmed by Sports Minister V Abdurahiman during a press conference. He assured that the match will be organized under the thorough oversight of the state government, with financial backing from local merchants. While the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has not yet officially announced the event, it has been reported that an agreement has been reached with the Kerala government to host the world champions. Currently, the opponents of the Argentine team have not been disclosed. As part of the preparations, a delegation led by Minister Abdurahiman has engaged in fruitful discussions with the AFA in Spain. Minister Abdurahiman remarked, “We have held excellent discussions on how an exhibition match of the Argentina team could be held in Kerala and as a follow-up on our discussion, a delegation of the AFA will be visiting Kerala shortly.” Previously, in 2011, Messi was last seen in India during a match against Venezuela in Kolkata, making this upcoming visit a historic occasion for Indian football enthusiasts.
The planned friendly match marks a significant occasion as it reinstates Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team in India after a lengthy absence. Football has continued to grow in popularity in India, and hosting a team of Argentina’s caliber presents an opportunity for the sport’s development in the region. This return also symbolizes a deepening connection between Indian football and international standards, underscoring the efforts of local sports authorities to attract high-profile events to the country.
The anticipated return of Lionel Messi and the Argentine national football team to India signifies a milestone event for sports in the country, particularly for football enthusiasts. With meticulous planning and discussions underway between the Kerala government and the AFA, this friendly match in 2025 promises to elevate the footballing landscape in India, providing a unique opportunity for fans to witness world-class football.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
