In a thrilling announcement for football fans across India, Lionel Messi-led Argentine national team, is slated to return to the country for an international exhibition match, in October 2025. The much-anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, also known as Kaloor Stadium, in Kochi, Kerala. The venue, one of India's largest and most advanced sporting facilities, is home to the Kerala Blasters and is renowned as a formidable ground for visiting supporters.
This visit marks Messi’s first appearance in India since 2011. His last visit to India in September 2011 left an indelible mark. Playing at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, he led Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in front of a roaring crowd. At the time, Messi was already a global superstar, but his stature has since soared to new heights, particularly after captaining Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. That triumph cemented his legacy, and his return to India as a world champion adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming match. For many Indian fans who missed his 2011 appearance, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the maestro in action.
For Kerala, hosting Messi and Argentina is a moment of pride. The match is expected to boost tourism and put Kerala on the global football map. In November last year, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman stated that the state is working behind the scenes to bring Messi to Kerala. Last week, he confirmed that all necessary approvals have been granted by the Central government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The visit is part of a broader initiative tied to a newly signed partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC, covering India and Singapore. Announced on Wednesday, this one-year deal aims to expand Argentina’s international presence ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. While the opponent for the match remains undisclosed, speculation is rife that it could be a prominent club or national team, ensuring a competitive spectacle.
