Kolkata, Nov 20 (V7N)– The football frenzy in India is set to reach new heights as Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are preparing to visit the country next year. Fans of Lionel Messi, a global icon, are particularly excited about the news.

According to India Today, initial plans suggest that the Albiceleste will play two exhibition matches during their visit. Kerala's Sports Minister, V. Abdurrahman, confirmed on Wednesday that discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Argentine government are already underway. The Kerala government has pledged to bear the expenses for the team's visit.

The minister revealed that an exhibition match is tentatively scheduled for September or October 2025 in Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators. FIFA officials are expected to attend the event, adding global significance to the occasion.

In addition, there are strong indications that Messi may visit Kolkata earlier in July 2025. This would be a return to the city where he mesmerized fans in 2011 during a match at Salt Lake Stadium. Kolkata's fervent Messi supporters are eagerly anticipating his presence, thanks to efforts by sports promoter Shatdru Dutta, who recently brought Emiliano Martinez, Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper, to the city.

This is not Messi’s first interaction with the Indian subcontinent. In 2011, the Argentine team played an international friendly against Nigeria in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the same schedule as their Kolkata match. Messi’s upcoming visit rekindles memories of his captivating performances in the region.

The announcement has sparked excitement across India, particularly in Kerala and Kolkata, where football enjoys immense popularity. The opportunity to watch Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, is a dream come true for many Indian fans.

Football enthusiasts in India are now counting down the days until they can witness the magic of Lionel Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentina team on home soil.

END/RH/AJ