Mumbai: The Argentina Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team will visit Kerala from November 10 to 18, 2025, to play a historic friendly match against a FIFA Top 50 team at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The announcement, ending months of speculation, positions Kerala as the proud host of one of the most anticipated sporting events in India. Football fans across the country will witness the reigning world champions in action, with Reporter TV serving as the official sponsor.
Kerala’s Sports Minister, V. Abdurahman, welcomed the confirmation with enthusiasm, saying, “Football is a passion and a tradition in Kerala that has grown for generations. There is a devotion from our people in supporting football, and specifically for Argentina and Lionel Messi, that is unrivaled emerging sports communities throughout the world. Hosting the Argentina national team is so much more than a football match, it is a display of the sporting culture of Kerala, and how football provides communities with the ability to join in shared beliefs. From Malappuram to Thiruvananthapuram, this is a salute to communities that have stood up for football for generations. Messi coming to Kerala will not only bring excitement to the fans, but also leave a legacy for the youth to aspire to by dreaming big in football, while also bringing the small local community Keralan football spirit to life. Kerala is excited to show the world why we are called the football capital of India.”
Commenting on the milestone, Anto Augustine, Managing Director & Editor, Reporter TV, said, “This is not an event, this is history. Right from the start, we were determined to bring the Argentina team to Kerala even when there were doubts, false campaigns and ridicules. We never backed down and worked night and day until the confirmation from the AFA. Today, the truth has spoken louder than rumors. Kerala, that has always carried Argentina in its heart, deserved this moment. A special thank you to Sports Minister V. Abdurahman and the Government of Kerala for their continued efforts and support. Messi’s arrival will one day be remembered as a significant chapter for sports in Kerala.”
Sharing his perspective, Roji Augustine, Chairman, Reporter TV, said, “With Argentina never going back on their commitment, the confusion arose from misinformation. Reporter TV, the official sponsor of the event, expresses its deepest gratitude to the Government and Sports Minister V. Abdurahman for their tenacity in hanging on to a difficult situation. It is certainly an Onam gift for the people of Kerala.”
Josekutty Augustine, Vice Chairman, Reporter TV, added, “The arrival of Messi and Argentina shows that anything is possible when you have the will. Kerala is set to celebrate the greatest football festival in the State’s history.”
The confirmation marks a historic moment for Indian football, with Kerala set to welcome one of the most celebrated teams and athletes in world sports.
