Argentina to return to India for a friendly match 14 years later

Argentina‘s men's national football team, led by star player Lionel Messi, is preparing to return to play a match in India in 2025 after 14 years without playing in the country, officials said Wednesday.

The sports minister of the southern state of Kerala, V. Abdurahiman, revealed on Wednesday during a press conference the return of the current world champions to the country to play an international match.

The official, who did not elaborate on the match, said the match would be held under the full supervision of the state government, while "all financial assistance to organise this high-profile football event will be provided by the state's traders," he said, confident of Kerala's ability to host the historic occasion.

Messi, who enjoys a huge fan following in India, last visited the country in 2011, when Argentina took part in a friendly against Venezuela that ended goalless.

At the 2022 World Cup, Leo was the one who made the difference for the ‘Albiceleste’, who beat France in the final on penalties. With seven goals, he was the second top scorer of the tournament.

Despite remaining in the squad, the big question remains whether he will play in Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2026. Argentina currently lead the qualifiers with 25 points, five points ahead of Uruguay, who they will face in the next round in March 2025.