After months of uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi’s arrival in Kerala—introduced and known as off greater than as soon as to the dismay of soccer followers—Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has formally confirmed that the Argentine legend will certainly lead his World Cup-winning staff in a pleasant match hosted by the State in November.
Unlike earlier bulletins, which drew criticism when later retracted, this time the assertion was accompanied affirmation from the Argentina Football Association (AFA).
In a Facebook put up on Saturday (August 23, 2025) morning, Mr. Abdurahiman said that Messi will go to Kerala along with his 2022 World Cup-winning staff for a pleasant match throughout FIFA’s worldwide window in November.
He additionally shared a screenshot of the AFA’s announcement concerning the staff’s two worldwide friendlies scheduled for the rest of 2025. It indicated that the primary could be within the United States someday between October 6 and 14, and the second could be hosted in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala between November 10 and 18. Rival groups for each units of friendlies are yet to be introduced.
The AFA introduced the friendlies on its official web site.
Vijayan expresses delight
Former Indian worldwide and soccer legend I.M. Vijayan described Messi’s impending arrival as the most important occasion that will encourage 1000’s of kids to take up the game, and a dream come true for thousands and thousands of followers in Kerala.
He recalled an occasion in Delhi, which he attended shortly after Argentina’s World Cup victory, the place the Chief Minister was introduced with an Argentine jersey by representatives of Argentine soccer in recognition of Kerala’s passionate help for the staff.
Ahammed Salih of the Malappuram Argentina WhatsApp Koottayma was ecstatic following the announcement, although a touch of doubt lingered due to the earlier uncertainty.
“We are already planning a friendly match to mark Messi’s arrival, and a procession will be organised if permission is granted. It goes without saying that all of Malappuram will be adorned with Messi flex boards. We’ll try to watch the game live, and if that’s not possible, we’ll turn it into a grand festival here by organising a fans’ fest with a big screen,” he mentioned.
Clarity after confusion
Initially, followers had been disenchanted when the itinerary launched by the Argentina Football Federation (AFA) in May didn’t embody a cease in Kerala, opposite to Mr. Abdurahiman’s announcement in November final yr that the Argentina nationwide staff that includes Messi would play two exhibition matches towards Japan and Qatar in Kerala in 2025. The blame was then positioned on a Kochi-based firm, which Mr. Abdurahiman mentioned had an settlement with AFA and was chargeable for the preparations.
However, lower than a month later, in June, Mr. Abdurahiman reignited hopes with a Facebook put up titled “Messi is coming,” which he once more retracted in August, blaming AFA for allegedly backing out of the promise to go to Kerala in October after accepting cost.
R. Yedhukrishnan, govt committee member of Penya del Barça—the official supporters’ membership of Spanish soccer large FC Barcelona, the place Messi performed throughout his peak years and gained a number of titles together with the Champions League—had lengthy felt that Messi’s go to to Kerala was unrealistic.
“It’s a dream for millions, for whom Messi is like a god, and the event is going to attract unprecedented public participation. Our supporters’ club will definitely plan something to mark the occasion,” he mentioned.
