Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 will take place in March next year. The much-awaited visit of the world champions has thrilled football lovers across the state. Known for its passionate fan base, Kerala is preparing to welcome Lionel Messi and his team for what could be one of the biggest football events in Indian history.
Messi’s Argentina Set to Visit Kerala in March 2026
Speaking at the Sports Vision 2031 event in Thiruvananthapuram, Minister Abdurahiman announced that Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 had been officially confirmed by the Argentina football team. “Two days ago, we received an email from the Argentina team confirming their visit in March. They also mentioned that an official announcement will be made soon,” he said.
According to the minister, all necessary preparations have been completed to host Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026. Fans in Kerala, who have long supported Argentina, are overjoyed by the confirmation. The minister explained that although the match was originally planned for November 2025 at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, delays in stadium renovation forced a change in schedule.
“Even though we expected to complete the facilities at the stadium, due to some inconvenience, the work could not be finished on time. As the stadium approval was not received, we could not host the match,” Abdurahiman said. However, he emphasized that rescheduling Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 should not be viewed as a setback but as part of normal international planning.
He added, “Changes in the schedule of international matches are common and should not be seen as anyone’s victory or defeat. We tried to bring such a major football event to Kerala, and that attempt itself is commendable.”
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Kerala’s Sports Vision and Global Goals
During the event, the minister discussed how Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 aligns with the government’s broader Sports Vision 2031 plan. This initiative aims to strengthen Kerala’s role in the global sports economy by hosting more international events in the future.
“Football and cricket have now become part of a large sports economy that provides employment to lakhs of people worldwide. So why should we hesitate to be part of it? We have decided to engage actively in this sector,” Abdurahiman explained.
The Kerala government believes that hosting Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 will boost tourism, create new job opportunities, and enhance the state’s reputation as a world-class sporting destination. The event is expected to bring global attention to Kerala and showcase its growing sports infrastructure.
Earlier this year, the Kerala Sports Department and its sponsors had announced that Argentina would play a top international side in Kochi in November. However, the Argentina Football Association later released its official list of friendlies without any mention of Kochi. Now, the confirmation of Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 has reignited excitement among fans who had been eagerly waiting for an update.
Football enthusiasts across India are now looking forward to the official announcement from Argentina’s side, which will reveal the opponent and the exact venue. With Lionel Messi expected to lead his team, Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans.
The event marks a significant milestone for Kerala’s sporting ambitions and symbolizes the state’s commitment to becoming a hub for international sports. As preparations continue, the anticipation around Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 continues to grow, with fans eagerly counting down the days to witness football’s biggest star play on Indian soil.
If everything goes as planned, Lionel Messi’s Argentina Match in Kerala 2026 will mark a historic chapter for Indian football, the moment when Kerala welcomes the reigning world champions and celebrates its love for the beautiful game like never before.
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source: NDTV
