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Lionel Messi to lead Argentina in friendly against Australia in India's Kerala

The visit comes after earlier uncertainty about the team’s Kerala tour

Lionel Messi

The match is expected to attract widespread attention in Kerala

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Gayathri Kallukaran
By Gayathri KallukaranSep 23, 2025
Gayathri Kallukaran
Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
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Highlights

  • Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, is set to play an international friendly in India.
  • The match is likely to take place in Kochi, Kerala, between 12 and 18 November.
  • Australia is expected to be Argentina’s opponent.
  • Fans in India can look forward to seeing Messi and the 2022 World Cup winners in action.

Argentina to play an international friendly in India

The Argentina national football team, led by superstar Lionel Messi, is expected to play an international friendly match in India later this year. The match is likely to be held in Kochi, Kerala, on any day between 12 and 18 November, although no exact date has been confirmed.

Opponent and context

Australia is expected to be Argentina’s opponent in this high-profile friendly. The visit is part of Argentina’s international tour, giving Indian football fans a rare opportunity to watch the 2022 World Cup winners in action on home soil.

Earlier uncertainty cleared

Earlier reports in August suggested that Argentina and Messi might skip the Kerala leg of the tour. However, state Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman later confirmed that the team will indeed visit Kerala in November.

Significance for Indian football fans

The friendly is set to attract widespread attention, particularly because of Messi’s presence. Organisers in Kochi are expected to make special arrangements to accommodate the high-profile event, which promises to be a major highlight for football enthusiasts across India.

australiafriendly matchkeralakochilionel messiindia

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