The Argentine Football Association (AFA) officially confirmed that Lionel Messi and the FIFA World Cup-winning Argentina national team will visit Kerala from November 10 to 18 for a friendly match during the FIFA International Window.

The news was confirmed by Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company Pvt. Ltd., the Kerala government’s official partner for the event. “The Argentine Football Association has officially confirmed Messi and the team's visit to Kerala from November 10 to 18. I request the people of Kerala and Messi fans across the country to enjoy and celebrate the event,” Augustine said.

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman echoed the excitement, stating on his official Facebook page, “Messi will come. Official confirmation received through official mail that the Qatar World Cup winning Argentina team including Lionel Messi will arrive in Kerala for a friendly match in the November 2025 FIFA International Window.”