Subhechcha Ganguly 
Lionel Messi is set to play in India next year, as confirmed by Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman. On Wednesday, the minister announced that the Argentina national football team, featuring the legendary Messi, will visit the state for an international match in 2025. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Abdurahiman stated that the match will be organized under the full supervision of the state government.”The financial backing for this prestigious football event will be provided by the state’s merchants,” the minister said, expressing confidence in Kerala’s capacity to host this historic occasion.
Messi’s last appearance in India was in 2011, when Argentina played Venezuela in an international friendly that ended in a 0-0 draw. As a global football icon, Messi has an immense fan base in India, a country traditionally dominated by cricket. Among his Indian supporters, Kerala stands out as a hub of Messi enthusiasm, where football has long been a beloved sport.
Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami in 2023, after a high-profile tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has further boosted his popularity across North America. Even from thousands of miles away, his performances in MLS have captivated Indian fans, many of whom stay up at odd hours to watch his matches.
The Argentine legend’s accomplishments have solidified his status as a beloved figure in the region, with fan clubs and gatherings devoted to celebrating his success. Kerala, with its rich football culture steeped in passion and tradition, has warmly embraced Messi as one of its own.
