Football fans in Kerala, get ready for the biggest sporting spectacle of the decade. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will play an exhibition match in Thiruvananthapuram between November 10 and 18, 2025. The match will be held at the Greenfield Stadium, marking a historic moment for the state and Indian football as a whole.
The event, organised by the Kerala government in collaboration with Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, has been in the works for months. Initial reports had raised doubts about the tour’s feasibility, but those concerns have now been put to rest. Reporter TV’s Managing Director and Editor Anto Augustine has assured fans that preparations are “progressing smoothly” and advised against believing unfounded rumours.
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman first announced the team’s visit back in September 2024. The decision to bring the World Cup winners to Kerala was reportedly a gesture of appreciation for the overwhelming support they received from Kerala fans during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The state government rolled out the red carpet by formally inviting the team and securing corporate sponsorships to cover logistical and financial requirements.
The Reporter Broadcasting Company took things a step further by signing an agreement with the AFA on December 20, 2024. Currently, negotiations are underway to finalise which high-profile opponent will face Argentina in the exhibition match. Details are still under wraps, but expectations are sky-high.
For fans wondering about Messi’s schedule, the football icon and his teammates will arrive in Kerala after wrapping up their international fixtures against Venezuela on September 5, 2025, and Ecuador on September 10, 2025. The Thiruvananthapuram match won’t just be a friendly. It’s also an opportunity for Argentina to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But this isn’t just about one match. The AFA has expressed interest in long-term partnerships with Kerala’s football ecosystem. Talks have revolved around grassroots initiatives, training camps, and talent scouting programs that could nurture future Indian football stars. For Kerala’s aspiring players, this could be a game-changing opportunity.
The news has electrified Kerala’s football-loving community. From die-hard Messi fans to local players dreaming of a professional career, everyone is counting down the days. The chance to watch the World Cup champions in action on home turf is nothing short of a dream come true. With Kerala’s passion for the sport, the Greenfield Stadium is sure to witness an unforgettable atmosphere when Messi takes the field.
Tickets, expected to sell out fast, will likely be the hottest commodity in town as the match approaches. Whether you’re a lifelong Argentina supporter or just a sports enthusiast, this is one event you won’t want to miss.