Lionel Messi to Return to India After 14 Years: Argentina to Play in Kerala Next Year
Kerala to Host Exhibition Match Featuring World Champion Argentina and Lionel Messi
Messi’s Grand Return to India: A Milestone in Football History
After a gap of 14 years, football legend Lionel Messi is set to return to India. Kerala’s Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, confirmed on Wednesday that Messi, along with the World Cup-winning Argentina football team, will play an exhibition match in Kerala next year. The Kerala government will bear all expenses for this monumental event, which is expected to be a massive celebration of football.
The match is likely to be held in September or October 2025 at the Kochi International Stadium, known for its capacity to accommodate nearly 60,000 spectators. This announcement has sparked excitement among football enthusiasts across the country and beyond.
Kerala’s Collaboration with Argentina Football Association (AFA)
Kerala’s government has already initiated talks with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and the Argentine government. Sports Minister Abdurahiman shared that discussions with AFA officials in Spain were fruitful, resulting in an agreement to bring the Argentina team to Kerala.
Apart from hosting the exhibition match, the Kerala government and AFA are also considering establishing a football academy in the state. This initiative is expected to transform Kerala’s football landscape and nurture young talent, further solidifying the state’s reputation as a football-loving region.
Why Kochi Was Chosen as the Venue
Kochi International Stadium has been chosen for its large seating capacity and world-class facilities. The city has a rich history of hosting high-profile football events and enjoys a dedicated fanbase for the sport. According to the Kerala government, the match is expected to attract fans not only from various parts of India but also from neighboring countries, making it a truly international event.
Messi’s Previous Visit to India: A Nostalgic Memory
Lionel Messi last visited India in 2011, when Argentina played a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The match, which Argentina won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Nicolás Otamendi, was witnessed by nearly 100,000 spectators.
Messi, impressed by the fervor and enthusiasm of Indian fans, expressed his admiration for the country’s love for football. The event left an indelible mark on Indian football history, and Messi’s return is set to recreate that magic.
Kerala’s Passion for Football
Kerala is known for its undying passion for football, and the state’s enthusiasm for the sport reached new heights during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Kerala’s streets were adorned with giant cutouts of Messi and Argentine flags during the tournament. The fervent celebrations caught the attention of the AFA, which later expressed gratitude to Kerala’s fans for their unwavering support.
The announcement of Messi’s return has already created a wave of excitement in Kerala, with fans eagerly looking forward to witnessing their idol live on the field.
The Impact on Indian Football
Hosting Lionel Messi and the Argentina team is not just a sporting event but a significant milestone for Indian football. It underscores India’s growing presence on the global football map. Moreover, Kerala’s partnership with AFA to build a football academy could inspire more international collaborations, paving the way for India’s football ecosystem to thrive.
Expected Economic and Cultural Impact
The exhibition match is anticipated to generate substantial economic benefits for Kerala. Hotels, travel agencies, and local businesses are likely to see a surge in demand, as fans from across India and abroad flock to Kochi. Additionally, the event will promote Kerala as a global sports destination, enhancing its cultural and tourism appeal.
Challenges and Preparations
While the excitement is palpable, organizing an event of this magnitude comes with its challenges. Ensuring security for the players, managing the crowd, and meeting FIFA’s stringent standards for match organization are among the key tasks. Kerala’s government is confident in its ability to rise to the occasion, given its past experience in hosting international events.