When Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina’s national football team confirmed his arrival in Kerala, the buzz on social media turned from nervous to elated. The Argentine star, now 37, will lead the squad against Australia on 17 November 2024 at the Jawaharlal Nehr u International Stadium in Kochi – a match that sits squarely in the FIFA International Match Window (10‑18 Nov). Yet a flurry of reports from Buenos Aires‑based outlet TyC Sports suggested the India leg might be scrapped in favor of an African fixture. The organizer, Reporter Broadcasting Company, has flatly denied those whispers, calling them “totally fake.”
Background: Argentina’s Journey to India
Argentina’s last visit to the subcontinent dates back to 23 September 2011, when a Sergio Batista‑coached side beat Venezuela 3‑1 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. That evening, a 23‑year‑old Messi scored his first goal on Indian soil, a moment fans still replay in vintage clips. Fast‑forward to September 2024, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) announced a two‑match friendly tour: Luanda, Angola on 14 Nov and Kochi, Kerala on 17 Nov. The Angola clash will pit the world champions against the hosts at Estádio 11 de Novembro, a 48,000‑seat arena that hosted the 2010 African Cup of Nations final.
The November 2024 Friendly: What’s Confirmed
According to a press release circulated on 1 Oct 2024 by the Deccan Herald, the Kochi match will feature a line‑up coached by Lionel Sebastián Scaloni, Argentina’s manager since 2018. The stadium, located in Ayyanthole, Thrissur District, can seat 60,000 spectators – a capacity that will likely be filled well before kickoff. Ticket sales, launched on 5 Oct, have already crossed the 10,000 mark, with price tiers ranging from ₹1,500 for the nosebleed section to ₹15,000 for premium club seats.
Rumors and Rebuttals: TyC Sports vs Organizer
On 12 Oct 2024, TyC Sports quoted unnamed AFA insiders saying the India leg could be shifted to Morocco, turning the fixture into a “Morocco‑Argentina showdown.” The speculation stemmed from a draft itinerary that listed a possible African opponent after the Angola match. But wait – the narrative changed dramatically when Rajesh Patel, chief executive of Reporter Broadcasting Company, told The Quint that the organization had a written confirmation from AFA President Claudio Fabián Tapia. Patel said, “The reports of Argentina not coming to Kerala are totally fake. We have a signed agreement, and Messi is definitely traveling.”
Local Excitement and Preparations in Kerala
Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high‑level planning meeting on 7 Oct at the State Secretariat, outlining security, traffic, and fan‑engagement plans. Officials expect a surge of visitors from neighboring states, especially Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where football fandom runs deep. The state’s tourism board has already started promoting “Messi‑Day” tours, promising discounted stays at Kochi’s waterfront hotels.
- Stadium capacity: 60,000
- Ticket price range: ₹1,500–₹15,000
- Match date: 17 Nov 2024
- Opponent: Australia
- Broadcast partner: Star Sports India
What This Means for Messi’s Legacy and World Cup Hopes
Beyond the spectacle, the Kochi friendly is a strategic rehearsal for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Analysts from Hindustan Times argue that a strong performance in India could bolster squad morale ahead of the South American qualifiers. For Messi, it may be the last appearance on Indian soil before his “GOAT Tour” in December 2025 – a three‑day exhibition trek across Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, co‑hosted by the AFA and Reporter Broadcasting Company. “This is a defining moment for Indian football fans,” Patel said, “and a fitting send‑off for Messi’s international career.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Lionel Messi definitely play in Kerala?
According to the event sponsor Reporter Broadcasting Company and a direct confirmation from AFA President Claudio Tapia, Messi’s participation is secured. The organizer has a written agreement and has already announced the squad, naming Messi as captain.
What caused the cancellation rumors?
The rumors originated from a report by TyC Sports that hinted at a schedule shift to Morocco after the Angola friendly. No official AFA source corroborated this, and the sponsor called the story fabricated.
How will the match affect Argentina’s World Cup preparations?
The Kerala friendly forms part of a two‑match build‑up during the FIFA International Match Window. Playing against Australia on Indian soil gives the squad a chance to test tactics in a high‑pressure environment before the South American qualifiers begin in 2025.
What are the ticket prices and availability?
Tickets range from ₹1,500 for the upper tier to ₹15,000 for premium seats. Over 10,000 tickets have already been sold, and the official website reports that a limited number of club‑level tickets remain.
What other events are planned for Messi in India?
After the November friendly, Messi is slated to headline the GOAT Tour 2025, a three‑day exhibition series in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, organized jointly by the AFA and Reporter Broadcasting Company.
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