Messi-led Argentina will visit Indian state Kerala in March, confirms sports minister

After months of speculation, cancellations, and mounting criticism, Minister for Sports V Abdurahiman confirmed on Monday that Argentina’s World Cup-winning football team, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, will arrive in Indian state Kerala in March 2026. Speaking at a Sports Vision 2031 event here, the minister announced that the state government had received official communication from the Argentina Football Association (AFA) just two days earlier.

“Two days ago, we received a mail from the Argentina team confirming that they will come in March. They also mentioned that an official announcement will be made soon,” Abdurahiman said.

According to the minister, all preliminary arrangements for the team’s visit have already been completed. The plan, which was initially to host the South American champions at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in November 2025, had been shelved due to unfinished renovation work at the venue.

“Even though we expected to complete the facilities at the stadium in Kochi, due to some inconvenience, the work could not be finished on time. As the stadium approval was not received, we could not host the match,” he explained.

The minister sought to temper criticism over the postponement, stressing that changes in international match schedules are not unusual.

“It should not be seen as a victory or defeat. Our attempt to bring such a major football event to Kerala itself is commendable,” he said. The government’s efforts reflect its broader vision to establish Kerala as a serious player in the global sports economy.

Earlier this year, the Kerala Sports department, in association with a private sponsor, had announced a marquee fixture - Argentina versus a top international side - to be played in Kochi in November 2025.

The announcement had sent football fans across Kerala into a frenzy. But hopes were dashed when Argentina’s official November friendlies schedule was released, with no mention of any match in Kochi.

That omission triggered a storm of public outrage and political criticism.

Questions were raised about the wisdom of demolishing parts of the Kochi stadium under the pretext of renovation, without completing required approvals.

Opposition leaders accused the government of mishandling the project, while fans expressed frustration at what they saw as another lost opportunity for Kerala to host world-class football.

AM Abdussalam