The Reigning World Champions Argentina national football team and Lionel Messi could possibly land in India for two Friendly matches next year in 2025. The Indian southern state of Kerala will be hosting the games, after reports of state government representatives led by the Kerala Sports Minister V Abdulrahman delegate met the Argentina Football Association (AFA) in Spain, earlier this year.
While speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister disclosed that the project of landing the Argentina Football Team in India is progressing as per the state government’s vision. Hence, it can potentially see the football-devoted state hosting star-studded Argentina alongside Eight-time Ballon Dor winner Messi in two exhibition fixtures.
“We had excellent discussions on hosting an exhibition match in the state. As a follow-up, an AFA delegation will visit the state within two months.” V Abdurahiman stated, “Argentina are the world’s best football team and the two matches involving them will be held next year, with financial help from Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association and other merchant organisations.” (Quote via GOAL)
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What is the Date, and Venue of the Match?
According to the Sports Minister of Kerala, the official dates and venue will be finalised and announced following the visit of AFA delegates to India in the upcoming weeks to decide the venues. However, the reports suggest the match could be scheduled during the FIFA International window in the summer of 2025 in March and June respectively.
“A delegation from AFA will be visiting Kerala in the next 45 days and we will be announcing the matches officially together. AFA will be announcing the dates and opponents. They will also visit various venues and choose one which can hold at least 50000 fans,” Sports Minister V Abdurahiman added further at the press conference held on Wednesday.
Who will be Argentina National Team’s Opponent?
Two of the giants of Asian football Japan and Asian champions Qatar are speculated to be the opponents to play against the 2022 World Champions. While, the venue for both games is likely to be the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, in Kochi, the home ground of Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters. Since it’s capable of facilitating the expected 50000 thousand fans inside the stadium.
When was Leo Messi’s first visit to India?
In September 2011, the Inter Miami star showed up with Argentina to play a friendly match against fellow South American rival Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal. The game was won by Argentina with a margin of 1-0 scorecard over Venezuela, Nicholas Otamendi was the sole goal scorer in the match and an uproarious 70,000 fans attended the clash from the stands.
Alongside, Messi many other footballing superstars were in action 14 years ago such as former Barca midfielder and current Argentina Under-21 head coach Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City legend Kun Sergio Aguero among notable names. And, Alejandro Sabella was in charge of La Albiceleste as their head coach.
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