Argentina Football Team to Return to India: Messi Set for 2025 Friendly Match

Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team will return to India in 2025 for an international friendly match in Kerala, marking their first visit after 14 years. The event’s organization has the full backing of the state government, and negotiations with the Argentina Football Association have been productive. A follow-up delegation from AFA will visit Kerala soon to finalize arrangements.

Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team are set to make their much-anticipated return to India after 14 years. Scheduled for 2025, they will compete in an international friendly match in Kerala, as confirmed by the state’s Sports Minister, V Abdurahiman, during a press conference. He assured that the match would be organized under the oversight of the state government and stressed that financial support will come from local merchants, highlighting Kerala’s readiness to host this significant event. While the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has not officially confirmed the match, Minister Abdurahiman indicated that negotiations have been fruitful. A delegation, led by the minister, recently visited Spain to engage in discussions with the AFA, which they deemed positive. As a direct consequence of these talks, an AFA delegation is expected to visit Kerala in the near future to finalize arrangements for the match. It is noteworthy that during Argentina’s last visit to India in 2011, Messi was a key player in a match against Venezuela in Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and his international team, Argentina, has a storied history in the sport. The team’s last visit to India, which occurred in 2011, not only marked a significant event for football fans but also showcased Argentina’s global influence in the sport. The current arrangement for their return reflects a growing interest in international football matches in India and the state’s capacity to host such high-caliber events. Minister Abdurahiman’s efforts signify a strategic initiative to promote the sport locally and globally.

In conclusion, the announcement of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team’s return to India is a significant milestone for Indian football enthusiasts, marking 14 years since their last visit. The proactive approach taken by Kerala’s government in facilitating this event underscores India’s increasing engagement in international football. With finalization of details pending, this match is poised to be a historical occasion for Indian sports.

Original Source: www.livemint.com