Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team are set to visit Kerala for an international friendly next year, confirmed by the state's sports minister.

The Argentina national football team, including Lionel Messi, will visit Kerala next year for an international match, following an agreement between the Kerala government and the Argentine Football Association.

The panned football trip to Kerala for 2025 will not be Lionel Messi’s first visit to India as he was in Kolkata in 2011 when Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium.

That's the reaction of Ashique Kuruniyan, who plays on the wing for India and Mohun Bagan, to the news that the Kerala government was trying to get Messi and his national team for a match next year. And just in case anyone missed the sarcasm,

The legendary footballer Lionel Messi will feature in Aregntina's football team for the two friendly matches in Kerala in 2025. The state government is expected to announce the schedule and opponents in the coming days.

Kerala is gearing up to host Argentina football team in 2025, but participation of Lionel Messi is still uncertain. Two exhibition matches and football academies are on the cards.

World Cup-winning Argentinian football team led by iconic Lionel Messi will play in Kochi next year, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced on Wednesday

The state must decide whether it wants a fleeting moment of Messi-magic or a lasting foundation for future champions.

Messi last played in India in 2011 when Argentina took part in an international friendly match against Venezuela. The match had ended in a goalless draw. A global football icon, L