Lionel Messi To Play In India? Kerala Sports Minister's Latest Statement Creates Huge Buzz

Lionel Messi's Argentina can potentially play in India next year, as reported by PTI citing Kerala Sports Minister. Read below for details.

Lionel Messi donned the Special Anniversary kit of Argentina during their 1-0 win over Peru, as he now has the joint-most international assists in football history

Source : @X/WeAreMessi

Lionel Messi's fan-following stretches all over the globe, and South Asia stands no exception, as the Argentina legend is worshipped like a god by many football fans in India. Kerala and West Bengal are popularly known to have the biggest fanbases of football in the country, and the latest statement of Kerala Sports Minister will send the fans berserk.

READ HERE | FIFA WC 2026 Qualification CONMEBOL Updated Points Table: 'Advantage Argentina' As Brazil, Uruguay Drop Points

As reported by PTI, Argentina, who are the reigning World Champions, will visit the state of Kerala to play an international friendly. By the looks of it, the opponents will probably be hosts India, but the confirmation has not come yet.

"Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Wednesday revealed that the Argentina football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match," reported PTI.

"Addressing a press conference here, the minister stated that the match would be conducted under the complete supervision of the state government. All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state, the minister said, expressing confidence in Kerala's ability to host the historic occasion," added PTI.

Argentina football team, featuring Lionel Messi, to play in Kerala next year, says Kerala sports minister

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 20, 2024

Argentina's Upcoming Matches In 2025

Whether Argentina plays in India next year stands as a doubt for now, but what is confirmed is that the side will be playing their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification CONMEBOL matches in the month of March, against Uruguay and Brazil. The remaining matches of the tournament will take place in the months of June and September.

As Argentina are the reigining South American champions, they will be playing the Finalissima 2025 against European champions Spain somewhere around June-end or July.