Kochi – The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is emerging as the likely venue for the much-anticipated friendly match of the Argentine football team, which includes global icon Lionel Messi. An official confirmation is expected within the next two days, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to announce.
GCDA Chairman K. Chandran Pillai said government-level inspections of the Kochi venue have been completed and officials are satisfied with the facilities. The development follows weeks of speculation after the Kariyavattom Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram was initially considered for hosting the match.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that the World Cup-winning team will play in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala between November 10 and 18, during the FIFA-approved international friendly window. However, until now, uncertainty lingered over the exact Kerala venue.
Kochi holds a strong case as host, having staged several high-profile international football matches in the past. It is also the home ground of Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), making it a natural choice for accommodating the expected surge of football fans.
The prospect of seeing Argentina and Messi in Kerala has created enormous excitement among fans across the state. If confirmed, the match in Kochi is expected to draw record crowds, cementing the city’s reputation as a major football hub in India.
