Lionel Messi to Return to India After 14 Years for Football Match in Kerala in 2025
- Posted on November 20, 2024
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- By Arijit Dutta
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Lionel Messi will play in India after 14 years, as announced by Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman. Scheduled for 2025, the match highlights Kerala’s rich football culture and Messi’s enduring global appeal. Fans anticipate a historic event celebrating one of the sport's greatest icons.
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, is set to return to India in 2025, as announced by Kerala's Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman. This marks Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, when he played in an international friendly against Venezuela, which ended in a goalless draw.
The match, organized under the full supervision of the Kerala state government, will be supported by financial assistance from local merchants. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Minister Abdurahiman expressed confidence in Kerala's ability to host such a high-profile event.
Messi's return is particularly significant for Kerala, a state renowned for its deep-rooted football culture and fervent Messi fandom. While cricket dominates much of India, Kerala has long embraced football as a key part of its sporting identity, with Messi enjoying unparalleled popularity among fans in the region.
The Argentine forward’s illustrious career reached new heights in 2022 when he led his nation to victory in the FIFA World Cup, completing his collection of major trophies. Despite moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami in 2023 after a stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi remains an active part of Argentina’s national team. His participation in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2028 FIFA World Cup underscores his enduring role on the international stage.
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As fans eagerly await Messi’s return, Kerala’s footballing spirit promises to make the event a grand celebration, solidifying the state's status as a hotspot for global football culture.