The Argentine Football Association has officially confirmed that the Argentine national football team, including global superstar Lionel Messi, will be visiting Kerala between November 10 and 18, 2025. The announcement has sent waves of excitement across India, especially among football enthusiasts in Kerala, as the team is set to engage in high-profile events, bringing world-class football to local fans. This historic visit marks one of the most anticipated football events in recent years, as millions look forward to witnessing some of the finest talents in the sport right on home turf.
This will not be Argentina’s first visit to India. The Argentine team first visited the country in 1984 to participate in the third edition of the prestigious Nehru Cup, held at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. During that tournament, notable players such as Jorge Burruchaga, Ricardo Giusti, and goalkeeper Neri Pomprido represented Argentina, with the team coached by the legendary Carlos Bilardo. Although Diego Maradona was not part of the delegation, Burruchaga later played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup victory, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Germany.
Argentina returned to India in 2011, when Lionel Messi and his team played an exhibition match against Venezuela, again hosted in Kolkata. That event drew massive crowds and left a lasting impression on Indian football fans. Now, more than a decade later, the upcoming Kerala visit is expected to be even grander, with opportunities for fans to witness live training sessions, fan meets, and perhaps even exhibition matches or other special events.
The Argentine Football Association has not yet disclosed the full itinerary, but local officials and sports authorities are already coordinating logistics, ensuring that the event will offer an unmatched footballing experience.
