Football fans in India are set for a historic moment as Lionel Messi-led Argentina prepare to play a much-anticipated friendly match in Kochi, Kerala this November. While the exact date has not been finalized, reports suggest the game will be scheduled between November 12 and November 18, 2025.
According to media sources, Australia is expected to be Argentina’s opponent for the Kerala friendly. A member of the Argentine support staff has already arrived in Kochi for venue inspection, confirming that preparations are underway for the mega clash.
This match comes after weeks of speculation regarding Argentina’s India tour, with some reports earlier suggesting the fixture might not happen. However, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) cleared doubts by officially announcing two upcoming FIFA friendlies: one in the United States in October and another set in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India in November.
Kerala’s Sports Minister, V Abdurahiman, has also confirmed Argentina’s visit. Following the friendly in Kochi, the World Cup-winning team will continue their India tour in December, visiting Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, with a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This will mark Argentina’s second appearance in India, following their 2011 friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. With Lionel Messi once again leading the squad, football enthusiasts across India are eagerly awaiting an unforgettable sporting spectacle.