Argentina will play two friendly matches kerala Sports Minister; reassuring fans Lionel Messi will be part of the squad
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala seems to have a mind and heart of its own, determined to save Argentina – and Lionel Messi – to its people. Even though the budget for this activity is as high as Rs 30-400 million.
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdulrahman State fans were assured on Wednesday that the world champion football team, including their talismanic captain, would take part in two international friendlies, but no official announcement has been made. The minister also mentioned that representatives of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) will visit Kerala in a few months to complete La Albiceleste’s visit.
“The Argentine football team, ranked number one in the world, will come to Kerala. Lionel Messi will also come here,” Abdulrahiman announced during a media interaction at the state secretariat on Wednesday.
“There will be two games. (But) I am not in a position to make an official announcement. That will be done by the AFA,” he added.
The idea of football diplomacy also seems to have the full backing of the country’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “Kerala will create history as World Cup champion Argentina will visit Kerala next year! Thanks to the efforts of the state government and the support of @AFASeleccionEN, this dream is becoming a reality. Let’s get ready to face the championship and celebrate our victory against Kerala LaBang’s football-loving CM posted on his official X account.
Argentina’s friendly opponent has not yet been finalized, but there are signs it will be an important Asian team. It is understood that AFA officials have asked the state government to provide them with a list of opponents from which the AFA will select their opponents.
The date of the competition will also be finalized following a visit by the AFA team, but it is understood that the state government is exploring the possibility of hosting the competition in October next year.
Abdulrahiman has sought help from traders in the football-mad nation to raise money to fund such a high-profile tournament. The Times of India first reported in January this year that the Kerala government was keen to host the South American giants, possibly during the international competition window in October 2025. “The cost of bringing the Argentinian national team to India is said to be estimated at between Rs 300 million and Rs 400 million,” the report said.
While the minister claimed that Messi will return to play in India 14 years after he made his debut with Argentina against Venezuela in Kolkata in 2011, it is too early to confirm his presence in the team.
