Thiruvananthapuram, 21 November 2024: The Kerala government confirmed Wednesday that the Argentina national football team, captained by Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for two international friendly matches. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced the development during a press conference, calling it a landmark event for the state.
“The world’s number one football team, Argentina, featuring Lionel Messi, is coming to Kerala. There will be two matches,” Abdurahiman stated. The fixtures, including the venue and opponent team, will be finalized in coordination with the Argentina Football Association (AFA), he added.
Representatives from the Argentina team are expected to visit Kerala within six weeks to finalize arrangements. “We have decided to make a joint announcement with the Argentina team management,” Abdurahiman said, noting that the matches will be held under the state government’s direct supervision.
The minister revealed that discussions with AFA began in September when a delegation from Kerala, led by him, visited Spain. During the Madrid meeting, Kerala extended an official invitation for the team’s visit. Abdurahiman emphasized that the talks yielded significant outcomes, including the team’s agreement to play in India in 2025.
In a Facebook post after the visit, Abdurahiman said Kerala was considered as a potential venue for international matches and as a base for football academies in collaboration with AFA. The association had also acknowledged India’s large Argentina fan base, with Kerala alone contributing one-fourth of their supporters.
Addressing logistical details, Abdurahiman said the matches will be hosted in a stadium with a minimum capacity of 50,000, likely in Kochi. Financial support for the event will come from local businesses.
AFA welcomed Kerala’s enthusiasm, stating that collaboration with the state aligns with their global expansion strategy. “This initiative will bring us closer to our fans in India and strengthen our sports and commercial presence,” the association said in a statement.
The dates for the matches will be announced by AFA as per their internal procedures. Kerala’s government will oversee the event’s security and organizational aspects. Abdurahiman expressed confidence in the state’s ability to deliver a world-class experience.
“This historic event reflects Kerala’s dedication to football and its capability to host international matches. We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Lionel Messi and his team to our land,” the minister remarked.
