KERALA SPORTS MINISTER V. Abdurahiman has announced that the reigning world champions Argentina national football team, led by global icon Lionel Messi, will play a match in the State in March 2026. He made the announcement during an event in Malappuram as part of the Kerala Government’s Sports Vision 2031 initiative.
“Two days ago, we received a mail from the Argentina team confirming that they will come in March. They also mentioned that an official announcement will be made soon,” he said.
Abdurahiman noted that the State had originally planned to host the South American champions at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi this month, but the proposal had to be postponed as stadium approval was not secured in time.
Highlighting Kerala’s push to strengthen its sports economy, he added that the government aims to bring more major international sporting events to the State. “Football and cricket have now become part of a large sports economy that provides employment to lakhs. So why should we hesitate to be part of it. We have decided to engage actively in this sector,” Abdurahiman said.
In addition to the international friendly, Messi will also travel to India for his ‘GOAT India Tour’ from 13 to 15 December.
