There has been widespread speculation regarding Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team potentially skipping their November visit to Kerala for a friendly match. Reports suggested that the team could change its schedule and travel to Africa instead, with matches against Angola and possibly Morocco, instead of India.
However, the organisers have firmly clarified that these rumours are false. A spokesperson from Reporter Broadcasting Company, the event sponsor, told The Quint, “The reports of Argentina not coming to Kerala are completely inaccurate. The match will go ahead as scheduled. Argentina will face Australia on November 17 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with confirmation from the Argentina Football Association.”
Messi, who has been named captain for the upcoming friendly, is expected to travel to Kerala along with the national team. The star footballer will also visit other Indian cities in December, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, as part of his India tour.
Earlier, Messi expressed his excitement for the trip on social media, saying, “It is such an honour to visit India again. India is a very special country, and I have fond memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were incredible. I look forward to meeting a new generation of football enthusiasts and sharing the love for this beautiful game.”
Football fans in India can now look forward to witnessing one of the sport’s greatest icons, Lionel Messi, in action on November 17, 2025, in Kerala.