Lionel Messi and Argentina Football Team to Visit India After 14 Years
Lionel Messi’s Argentina football team is set to return to India in 2025 for a friendly match in Kerala after 14 years. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced that the state government will oversee the event, with local merchants funding it. Details regarding Argentina’s opponent are still pending, although positive discussions with the Argentina Football Association have taken place. Messi last played in India in 2011 against Venezuela in Kolkata.
Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team are poised to make a historic return to India after a 14-year absence. Scheduled for 2025, this international friendly match will take place in Kerala, as confirmed by Sports Minister V Abdurahiman. During a press briefing, he assured that the state government would supervise the event and that financial support for this prestigious occasion would be sourced from local merchants. While the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has yet to officially announce the match, discussions between the Kerala government and the AFA have been reportedly fruitful, with a delegation set to visit soon to finalize details. The specific opponent for Argentina remains to be confirmed. The last time Messi played in India was in 2011, when he participated in a friendly match against Venezuela in Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium.
This upcoming event marks a significant moment for football enthusiasts in India, particularly as it features the FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina. The last match played in India involving the renowned footballer Lionel Messi took place over a decade ago, highlighting the importance of this return. The Indian government, through Kerala’s Sports Ministry, is taking enthusiastic steps to host this match, potentially enhancing India’s stature as a destination for international sporting events. The collaboration with local merchants for funding indicates strong community involvement in promoting football.
In summary, the anticipated return of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to India for a friendly match in Kerala underscores a growing partnership between international football and local Indian interests. The Kerala government, alongside the AFA, aims to arrange an event that not only commemorates Argentina’s prestigious status in football but also revitalizes interest in the sport within India. The match is expected to attract considerable attention from fans and will be a testament to India’s capability as a host for global sporting events.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
