Argentina is set to play on Indian Soil

Messi and his team playing in front of their eyes!

What else can a football fan ask for?

This dream is going to come true for Indian football fans. Argentina is set to play on Indian Soil

Kerala, God’s Own Country, is set to host the FIFA World Cup Champion in October 2025

It’s time to cheer for Indian football fans as Argentina, the FIFA World Champions, are gearing up to play friendly matches in Kerala next year. 

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman shared this exciting development in a Facebook post. He said that he had received an email reply from the Argentina Football Association (AFA) in which they expressed their willingness to play a friendly game in the state in response to the invitation sent out by the state government in June last year.  AFA has shown interest in collaborating with the Kerala Football Association on various initiatives, such as uplifting football at grassroot level through coaching 5000 students in the football-loving state. 

The Minister confirmed this news after an online discussion with officials of the Argentine Football Association. The meeting crew included Pablo Diaz (Argentina FA’s Head of International Relations), Pranab Jyoti Nath IAS (Kerala Sports Secretary), and Navas Meeran (President of Kerala Football Association).

What’s there in Kerala Minister’s Facebook post

Overjoyed minister’s Facebook post says that, “Remember the saga from last year when India, like a frugal guardian, turned down Argentina’s football proposal citing huge expenses. The news was heartbreaking for fans of Argentina across the country, especially for those in football-crazy state of Kerala. Fast forward to today, our resilient spirit compelled us to extend an invitation to the reigning world champions to come and play in our state. And the champion team, which is very well aware of the love and support they receive from Kerala, gleefully accepted our request. The AFA has shown keen interest in nurturing football in the vibrant state that breathes the sport.”

Kerala Sports Minister further revealed that La Albiceleste is scheduled to play two friendly matches in Kerala. Initially, AFA had expressed their willingness to arrive in the state in June 2024. However, since it would’ve been difficult for us to host them during the monsoon season, we requested them to slightly delay their schedule. Now AFA has agreed to visit Kerala in October 2025. We are aware that it is a very challenging task. But we are committed to hand over the biggest gift to the football crazy people of the state and this event is sure to boost the confidence of the sportsmen in Kerala. People will love to watch Messi, the maestro of magical dribbling.

“The excitement ever since the news came out gives us the confidence to move forward,” said the enthused Kerala Sports Minister.

In a déjà vu twist, the Minister echoed sentiments reminiscent of a June 2023 social media post. Back then, as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has turned down an opportunity for the Indian National Football Team to lock horns with Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the Minister unleashed his disappointment. Imagining the uncharted heights Indian football could have reached if we’d welcomed the Messi magic, he passionately lamented AIFF’s call. Painting a vivid picture of Kerala’s deep-seated love for football, particularly towards football giants Argentina and Brazil, the Minister unfolded a tale of the state’s earnest attempts to forge connections with the South American football powerhouses.