Messi’s Argentina to play FIFA friendly in India this November

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM

Messi’s Argentina to play FIFA friendly in India this November

Bangla Press Desk: The Argentina Football Association (AFA) has announced that the reigning world champions will visit India in November to play a FIFA international friendly match in Kerala. The news was shared in an official press release by the AFA early Saturday morning (Bangladesh time). However, the identity of their opponent for the match has yet to be confirmed. According to the statement, Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez and the rest of the Argentina squad will participate in two more FIFA friendlies in 2025. "Under the supervision of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina will play two additional FIFA friendlies during the remainder of 2025," the AFA said.

"The first will take place between 6-14 October in the United States (with the city and opponent yet to be finalised). The second will occur between 10-18 November, with matches in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (opponents not yet confirmed)." Kerala's Minister for Sports, V Abdurahiman, has also confirmed the upcoming match. Previously, Argentina’s planned visit to India faced uncertainties due to logistical complications in May. However, all obstacles appear to have been resolved, and the world champions are set to return within three months. Argentina last toured India in 2011, when they played against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. In addition to the national team's visit, Lionel Messi is expected to undertake a personal trip to India in December. He will embark on a three-day “GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour of India,” which will include stops in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

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