Lionel Messi and Argentina football team to play in Kerala next year

In a momentous announcement for football enthusiasts in Kerala, the Argentina national football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international exhibition match. Kerala’s Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, confirmed the news during a press briefing on Wednesday. The match will be held under the complete supervision of the state government, with all financial support for the event coming from the state’s merchants. Abdurahiman expressed confidence in Kerala's capability to successfully host the historic occasion.

Agreement Reached with the Argentine Football Association

The Kerala government has secured a formal agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to bring the World Cup-winning team to the state. Minister Abdurahiman revealed that two matches will take place in Kerala as part of this special event. However, whether Lionel Messi will participate in these matches remains uncertain, as the final decision rests with the AFA.

Earlier this year, Kerala sent a high-level delegation to Spain for discussions with AFA officials. Abdurahiman, who led the delegation, shared that the meetings in Madrid were positive and productive. “We have held excellent discussions on how an exhibition match of the Argentina team could be held in Kerala and as a follow-up on our discussion, a delegation of the AFA will be visiting Kerala shortly,” he said.

Potential for Football Academies in Kerala

The discussions between Kerala and AFA officials also explored the possibility of establishing football academies in the state. Abdurahiman highlighted the potential of such collaborations to enhance Kerala’s sports infrastructure. He expressed optimism about the opportunities this could bring, saying, "Our aim is to turn our sporting centres into a place of excellence and for that, we need to get the support of the best." The proposed football academies could not only improve the region’s facilities but also create new employment opportunities within the sports sector.

Football’s Massive Popularity in Kerala

The proposed visit of the Argentina national football team holds particular significance for the people of Kerala, where football enjoys immense popularity, especially in the northern districts. The team, led by Messi, has a massive fanbase in the state, making this event a highly anticipated occasion for local supporters.

Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Kerala’s Sports Infrastructure

Beyond the football collaboration, the Kerala delegation’s visit to Spain also focused on improving the state’s overall sports infrastructure. Discussions were held with Spanish sports officials to explore further partnerships aimed at upgrading Kerala’s sporting facilities. Abdurahiman stressed that improving these centres is a key priority, stating that collaboration with top-tier international sports bodies is vital. "We also want to improve the job opportunities in the sports sector and discussions were also held for that," he added.

The visit of the Argentina football team is not just a significant event for fans, but it could also mark the beginning of a broader transformation in Kerala’s sports landscape. With the potential establishment of football academies and ongoing collaborations with international sports bodies, the state is positioning itself as a growing hub for sports development in India.