For over a year, whispers of Lionel Messi playing a match in India had football fans holding their breath. Every small update sparked debates, hope, and endless excitement.
Now, the wait is finally over. It’s official — Messi and World Cup winners Argentina are coming to Kerala this November, and the buzz around it is unlike anything Indian football has seen in years.
Argentina will play a friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi
Argentina’s friendly match in India will be held at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium — the fortress of Kerala Blasters in the ISL. While Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield Stadium was initially announced as the venue, the plan had to be scrapped because of cricket commitments. That opened the door for Kochi, and it couldn’t have worked out better.
The JLN Stadium, also called Kaloor Stadium, is not just any ground. It’s Kerala’s only international-standard football venue and has hosted some of the biggest moments in Indian football, including matches during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. Now, it’s set for its biggest stage yet: welcoming Lionel Messi and Argentina.
Why Kochi Makes Sense
If there’s one city in India that breathes football, it’s Kochi. From the electric atmosphere of Kerala Blasters’ home games to the local passion that turns every street into a mini-stadium during tournaments, the city has earned its reputation as India’s football capital.
Hosting Messi here feels poetic. The stadium can hold over 40,000 fans, and you can bet every single seat will be taken when Argentina walks out in blue and white. For Kerala, a state that has always worn its football love on its sleeve, this is a dream turned reality.
Messi’s return to India
The last time Messi played in India was way back in 2011, in a friendly between Argentina and Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. That night, the atmosphere was unforgettable. Fourteen years later, he returns — this time as a World Cup winner, a Copa America champion, and arguably the greatest of all time.
When Will the Match Be Played?
The friendly is scheduled between 10th to 18th November 2025, though the exact date and opponent haven’t been officially confirmed yet. What we do know is that the Kerala government and the Sports Ministry are working closely with the organisers, and an official announcement is expected very soon.
Regardless of the opponent, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Messi.
