Lionel Messi Set To Play International Match In Kerala Next Year – News18

Last Updated:November 20, 2024, 11:28 IST

Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman has announced Argentina will play an international match in the state next year.

Football icon Lionel Messi could be dazzling his fans in India next year if Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman is to be believed. On Wednesday, Abdurahiman revealed that Argentine football team will play an international fixture in the state.

While addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, he said the match will be conducted under the supervision of the state government. “All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state,” the minister said.

Should Messi accompany the Argentine side, it will be his first visit to India since September 2011 when the current world champions faced Venezuela in a FIFA friendly held at Salt Lake’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Argentina won the match 1-0 after Lionel Messi provided the assist to Nicolas Otamendi for a headed goal.

There were reports of Argentina exploring the possibility of playing matches in India and Australia in 2025.

The 37-year-old Messi is widely considered as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has won the Ballon d’Or, an annual award given to the best footballer, a record eight times.

He has represented the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami in what has been a stellar playing career. The Argentine realised his childhood dream of lifting the world cup in 2022 when his team defeated France in a pulsating finale to become the champions.

Messi was in action on Tuesday during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Peru as Argentina won 1-0. He provided an outrageous assist to Lautaro Martinez who produced a stunning left-footed volley to fire the ball into the back of the net.

Messi has now drawn level with Landon Donovan’s all-time record of 55 assists in international men’s competition.

With the win, Argentina have moved closer to sealing their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.