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Kerala sports minister V. Abdurahiman has announced the tentative dates for Lionel Messi's visit to the state later this year. It was previously announced that La Pulga will be in India to play a friendly match in 2025.
The Argentinean created history in December 2022 when he guided La Albiceleste to the FIFA World Cup. That sparked off celebrations among his supporters across the planet, including in India, where he has a tremendous fan following.
Now, speaking at an event in Kozhikode, Abdurahiman revealed that Lionel Messi will be in Kerala for seven days between October 25 and November 2, 2025.
“For seven days from October 25 to November 2, Messi will be in Kerala. Apart from the friendly match, he will be on a public dias for twenty minutes to see you all,” said Abdurahiman.
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However, the dates announced may not be entirely accurate. The friendly match is expected to happen during the FIFA international break, enabling all players to be available.
There are two windows available during that period, from October 6 to 14 and November 10 to 18. As such, it is quite likely that the dates announced may be shifted to accommodate the international window. Lionel Messi is currently with MLS side Inter Miami and is preparing for the start of the new season.
Has Lionel Messi visited India before?
Lionel Messi will return to India after 14 years in 2025. The Argentinean last visited the South Asian nation in 2011, with his national team.
La Albiceleste played a friendly game against Venezuela in Kolkata on September 2, 2011. La Pulga was greeted by over 70,000 fans at the famous Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Kriranagan in the City of Joy.
Argentina secured a 1-0 win that day, thanks to a Nicolas Otamendi goal. It is unclear if the Benfica defender will be in the squad for the game at Kerala later this year.
One man who is certain to feature is Messi, with the entire country awaiting his arrival. The Argentinean may be in the final phase of his career but remains adored across the world.
He registered 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games across competitions last campaign for Inter Miami. He helped the Herons win the Supporters' Shield last season, but they missed out on the MLS Cup. Interestingly, the 37-year-old's contract with the Florida-based club expires at the end of this year.
