Messi’s Argentina, Australia confirm Kerala not in plans

By Harshit - Oct 25, 2025 02:50 PM
Last updated on Oct 25, 2025 02:50 PM

The much-anticipated friendly match featuring Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team in Kerala this November has been officially cancelled. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the team will not be visiting India during the upcoming FIFA international window. Instead, the team is scheduled to train in Spain and play a single friendly match against Angola on November 14. This announcement has dashed the hopes of millions of football fans in Kerala who were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see the World Cup-winning team in action on their home turf.

The cancellation follows earlier reports from sponsors and local authorities in Kerala, who had announced plans for a high-profile friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on November 17. However, logistical challenges and delays in obtaining necessary approvals from FIFA have led to the postponement of the event. According to Anto Augustine, managing director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, the sponsor of the friendly game, the match has been rescheduled to the next FIFA international window, with an official announcement expected soon.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

The primary reasons cited for the cancellation include delays in securing FIFA's approval for the venue and logistical readiness issues. The AFA's official statement emphasized that the team will focus on training in Spain and the scheduled friendly against Angola, making the proposed match in Kerala unfeasible during this period. These challenges underscore the complexities involved in organizing international sporting events and the importance of timely coordination with governing bodies.

Additionally, safety concerns at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi have been raised. Authorities had planned to increase the stadium's capacity from its usual 30,000 to 60,000 for the event. However, this expansion was contingent upon an inspection by experts from the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC). Safety warnings have persisted since FIFA limited capacity to 29,000 during the 2017 U-17 World Cup due to structural concerns. These worries were intensified by a recent blast in an on-site eatery and the 2021-22 GCDA audit report, which cited major lapses by the engineering department. Opposition leader Antony Kureethara and activist Subin Bhaskar urged detailed inspections before any capacity expansion. While GCDA claims repairs are completed and shops closed as a precaution, the government is also considering expanding the capacity further to 70,000. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman and CM Pinarayi Vijayan are expected to finalize and announce the match details soon.

Impact on Local Fans and the Football Community

The cancellation has been a significant disappointment for football enthusiasts in Kerala and across India. The proposed match was seen as a rare opportunity to witness international football stars in action on Indian soil. The event had garnered immense excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating the chance to see Messi and his teammates play in person. The rescheduling to a future date offers a glimmer of hope, but the uncertainty has left many fans disheartened.

Local businesses and sponsors who had invested in the event are also affected by the postponement. The planned festivities, including fan interactions, an open-bus parade, and cultural performances, were expected to boost tourism and the local economy. With the event now postponed, these stakeholders face challenges in reallocating resources and managing expectations.

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects

Despite the setbacks, there remains optimism about the possibility of hosting the Argentina national team in Kerala in the future. Organizers are hopeful that the match can be rescheduled during the next FIFA international window, with efforts underway to address the logistical and safety concerns that led to the cancellation. The enthusiasm of fans and the support of local authorities continue to drive these efforts, aiming to bring international football to Kerala's shores in the near future.

In the meantime, football fans in Kerala can look forward to other international fixtures and continue to support local and national teams. The passion for the sport remains strong, and the dream of hosting world-class football in Kerala persists.

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