Argentina’s Lionel Messi Set To Visit Kerala For International Football Match Next Year
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Thiruvananthapuram/Buenos Aires, 20th November 2024: Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced today that the Argentina National Football Team, featuring the legendary Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister confirmed that the Kerala State Government will oversee the event. He also shared that local merchants would fully fund the organization of this prestigious football match.
Messi’s last visit to India was in 2011 when Argentina played a goalless draw against Venezuela in an international friendly.
The iconic Lionel Messi enjoys immense popularity in India, a country typically associated with cricket. Kerala, in particular, is known for its passionate football culture, making it a hub for Messi’s fans. Football has a special place in the hearts of the people here, and Messi’s move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, after a successful tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), only increased his fan base across North America and beyond. Despite the geographical distance, Indian fans, many of whom wake up early to watch MLS matches, continue to follow his career closely.
Messi’s remarkable achievements, including guiding Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and his exceptional club success with Football Club Barcelona, have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history. His continued participation in World Cup qualifiers for the 2028 edition further strengthens his influence, with his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, also continuing to feature for Portugal.
When Messi Visited Kolkata…
The 2011 match against Venezuela, Messi’s first appearance in India as captain of Argentina, was a memorable event. Argentina won 1-0, with Nicolás Otamendi scoring the match’s only goal from a Messi corner. The game, which was attended by 75,000 spectators, left a deep impression on Messi. He later recalled how the Indian fans’ enthusiasm and warmth made a lasting impact on him and his family, inspiring him to foster a connection with the country.
