Lionel Messi-led Argentina scheduled to play friendly match in Kerala, India in 2025
Lionel Messi-led Argentina will play an international friendly match in Kerala, India, in 2025, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has revealed. The diminutive magician last visited the country in 2011, when La Albiceleste faced Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
The Argentinean maestro's admirers are scattered all over the globe and he also holds a special place in the hearts of Indian football fans. Supporters in the country were ecstatic when Lionel Messi lifted the FIFA World Cup on December 18, 2022, and celebrated long into the night.
Football is deeply embedded in Kerala's culture and it won't be far-fetched to say that La Pulga reigns supreme in the state. Fans across the country will now have the chance to cheer the 37-year-old from the stands this year.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Abdurahiman added that the event will be funded by the merchants of the state.
"All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state," said Abdurahiman via India Today.
Lionel Messi was last seen in action for Argentina against Peru on Tuesday, November 20, in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The little magician set up Lautaro Martinez to score the only goal of the game. In the process, the Inter Miami forward picked up his 58th assist for La Albiceleste and equaled the record of most assists in international football.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina?
Lionel Messi has scored 112 goals from 191 games for Argentina so far. He came off the bench against Hungary in 2005 as an 18-year-old for his national debut.
The Argentinean secured his first start against Peru in 2006 and scored his first goal for his country against Croatia later that year. Messi scored the final goal in a 6-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro in his World Cup debut in 2006. In the process, he became the youngest player and goalscorer for La Albiceleste in the World Cup.
The diminutive magician also has a record 10 hattricks for La Albiceleste in his career, a feat shared with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentinean has also scored 11 free kicks for his nation.
Messi is coming off an impressive campaign with Inter Miami, registering 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games. He guided the Herons to the Supporters Shield this season, but his team were knocked out of the MLS Cup from Round One.