Two of the top Asian football powerhouses, Japan and Qatar are being considered to compete against Argentina National Football Team for the exhibition matches In India. The matches are likely to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala.

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced in a press conference on Tuesday that the world champions will grace the Indian soil in 2025. AFA representatives are set to visit Kerala within six weeks and finalize Messi and co's trip to 'God's Own Country'.

#Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman revealed that the #Argentina football team, including legendary player #LionelMessi, will visit the state next year for an international match. 😲⚽ https://t.co/mYvR9OwP5K https://t.co/mYvR9OwP5K pic.twitter.com/gzeQP20eIF
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) November 20, 2024

However, there have been no official confirmations on Argentina's potential opponents, but TOI has confirmed that AFA has asked for a list of opponents from the Kerala State Government, and AFA will choose their rivals themselves.

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also shared a heartfelt message on Facebook:

Kerala is a land that brought football to the heart. The love we have for football is that spreads across all the borders of nations. The visit to Kerala conducted by the world champions Argentina national team next year is becoming a recognition of the love of football of Kerala which the world looks at with awe. It is expected that Lionel Messi, one of the best footballers the world has ever seen, will also join the team.

It was only due to the constant intervention of the state government that this gift which was written by many was impossible to the sports lovers in Kerala. The merchant community of Kerala has expressed their willingness to bear the financial expenses. It is expected that the Argentine Football Association officials, who have taken a favorable stand from the beginning, will reach Kerala within a month and a half and make an official announcement.

It will be a moment when Kerala's name will be heard loudly in the world sports map. The visit of the Argentina team can give new energy to the sports culture and sports sector of Kerala. Let's get together enthusiastically to give a warm welcome to Messi and his team.

Confirmation awaits

Argentina will face two leading Asian teams for the friendlies in Kerala next year but the opponents are yet to be disclosed. However, the venue of the match is yet to be announced as the venue will be finalized after the AFA officials visit the State within the next six months. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is the most suitable destination with a capacity of almost 42000.

🏟️ Messi to Kerala! Argentina 🇦🇷 is set to play a friendly match in Kochi in 2025, likely against Qatar or Japan.

📢 Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed the news after talks with the Argentine FA in Spain.

💸 Hosting costs estimated at ₹100 crore, including ₹36 crore… pic.twitter.com/swvhSJAMLJ
— football news india (@fni) November 21, 2024

The dates are not announced yet as well. However, two dates during the FIFA International break window in October 2025 are the tentative fixture as of now. Further discussions between the State Government and the AFA and the official announcement is yet to happen.

Fans hope that Lionel Messi will come to India after 14 years since he played in Argentina's friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. However, Messi's arrival can only be confirmed after the official announcement as the Argentine legend will definitely be the center of attraction for Indian football fans.

Read Also | Trophies won by Argentina in International Football (Men's)

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