Argentina’s Football Team to Visit Kerala Next Year
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman made an exciting announcement on Wednesday: the famous Argentina football team, which includes the legendary Lionel Messi, will be coming to Kerala for an international match next year. During a press conference, the minister shared that the state government will oversee the entire event. He mentioned, “All financial support for this major football match will come from local merchants,” and expressed confidence in Kerala’s ability to make the event a success.
Last time Messi played in India was in 2011 when Argentina faced Venezuela in a friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which ended without any goals. As one of the biggest stars in football, Messi has a huge following in India, even in a cricket-loving country. Among his many fans, Kerala is particularly known for its football enthusiasm, making it a perfect spot for Messi’s return. After joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, following his time with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi’s popularity grew even more, especially in North America.
Even from afar, his matches continue to capture the hearts of Indian fans, many of whom stay up late just to see him play. With a strong football culture, Kerala has embraced Messi like one of its own, celebrating his achievements through fan clubs and community gatherings.
Messi Ties Historic Record
In other news, Messi recently matched U.S. football legend Landon Donovan’s record for the most assists in international matches during a qualifier where Argentina narrowly defeated Peru 1-0. The key moment came at La Bombonera stadium, where Messi set up Lautaro Martínez for the game’s only goal in the 55th minute. This win helped Argentina maintain its lead in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, accumulating 25 points from 12 matches.
Messi reached a career milestone in 2022 by leading Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup, finally claiming the prestigious title that had eluded him for so long. Even after achieving such heights, he shows no intention of stepping back from international play. Messi remains a crucial player as Argentina prepares for the 2028 World Cup, which is set to be held in Los Angeles. With eight Ballon d’Or awards and many other accolades to his name, Messi’s legacy continues to grow, further establishing him as one of the greatest players in the history of football.
