Will Kochi host a Messi roadshow? Minister hints at public event for fans

Kochi: Kerala is all set to roll out the red carpet for football icon Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team, with preparations in full swing ahead of their much-anticipated visit in November.

Significantly, Minister P. Rajeev hinted that fans without match tickets might still get a chance to witness the magic of Messi in person, with a possible roadshow in Kochi currently under active consideration.

“Messi and Argentina team’s Kerala visit is moving ahead with full preparations. Venue Manager Héctor Daniel Cabrera inspected the Kochi stadium, accommodation, and security arrangements, and met our Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman. He expressed satisfaction with all facilities and praised Kerala’s readiness. Meanwhile, plans are underway to give fans without match tickets a chance to see Messi with a proposed roadshow under consideration. A final decision on this will be taken soon, ensuring Kerala shares this historic moment with all,” Minister P. Rajeev wrote on X.

Putting an end to weeks of speculation, the Argentina team is officially set to visit Kerala in November 2025 for an international friendly. The match will take place during the FIFA international window, with Australia most likely to be their opponents.

The Argentine squad is scheduled to arrive in Kerala on November 15, with the match expected to be held in Kochi before November 18. The game will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, which was recently inspected by Argentina team manager Héctor Daniel Cabrera.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also confirmed the Kerala leg of their 2025 tour in a statement posted to X:

“The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendlies in the remainder of 2025. The first, in October, from the 6th to the 14th, will be played in the United States... The second, FIFA friendlies in November, from the 10th to the 18th, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (opponents to be determined).”

This will be Messi’s second visit to India, his first being in 2011 when Argentina played Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.