Argentina to play two friendlies, says Kerala sports minister; assures fans Lionel Messi will be part of squad
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala, it appears, has its mind, and heart, firmly set to deliver Argentina - and Lionel Messi - to its people. Even if the budget of this exercise runs up to anything between Rs 30-40 crores.
Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman on Wednesday assured the state's football fans that the world champion football team, including their talismanic captain, will play two international friendlies but stopped short of making a formal announcement. The minister also mentioned that representatives of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) will visit Kerala within a couple of months to finalise La Albiceleste's trip to the state.
"The world's No 1 football team Argentina is coming to Kerala. Lionel Messi too will be here," V Abdurahiman declared during a media interaction at the state secretariat on Wednesday.
"There will be two matches. (But) It is not right on my part to make a formal announcement. That will be done by AFA," he added.
The idea of football diplomacy seems to have the full backing of state chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan as well. "Kerala is set to make history as World Cup champions Argentina are expected to visit next year! This dream is becoming a reality thanks to the state government's efforts and the support of @ AFASeleccionEN. Let's gear up to welcome the champions and celebrate our love for football!" the CM posted on his official X handle.
Argentina's opponents for the friendlies have not been finalised, but indications are that it will be a prominent Asian side. It is understood that AFA officials have requested the state govt to provide them with a list of opponents, from which the AFA will pick their rivals.
The dates of the matches will also be finalised after the AFA team's visit, but it is understood that the state govt is exploring the possibility of hosting the matches next Oct.
Abdurahiman has sought the help of traders in the football-mad state to mobilise funds to bankroll such a high-profile fixture. TOI had first reported in Jan this y ear that the Kerala govt was keen on hosting the South American giants, possibly during the Oct 2025 international window. "The estimated amount to bring the Argentine national team to India is said to be between Rs 30-40 crore," the report said.
Though the minister claimed that Messi would return to play in India 14 years after he and Argentina first played in Kolkata in 2011 against Venezuela, it would be too premature to confirm his presence in the squad.
