Indian football fans, particularly in Kerala, face heartbreak as Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will not grace the state with their presence in November 2025. The much-hyped friendly match, originally slated for November 17 at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, has been officially postponed due to delays in securing FIFA approval. Event sponsor Anto Augustine confirmed the development on October 25 via a Facebook post, stating that after consultations with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the fixture has been shifted out of the November international window.
The announcement dashes hopes of witnessing the World Cup-winning squad, led by Messi, in action against a top international opponent—rumored to be Australia—amid fan meets and an open-bus parade. Augustine assured that the match will be rescheduled for the next available FIFA window, with a new date to be announced soon, potentially as early as March 2026.
Background: From Excitement to Uncertainty
The buzz began earlier this year when Augustine, in partnership with Kerala’s Sports Department, revealed plans for the high-profile clash, projecting it as a landmark for Indian football. AFA representatives, including Hector Daniel Cabrera, even toured the Kaloor stadium in August 2025 to inspect facilities, fueling optimism. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman had publicly endorsed the event, envisioning it as a boost for local sports infrastructure.
However, cracks appeared in mid-October with Argentine media reports, including from La Nación, hinting at scheduling conflicts and FIFA clearance hurdles. The AFA’s latest itinerary confirms Argentina’s focus elsewhere: a training camp in Spain followed by a single friendly against Angola in Luanda on November 14, before returning to South America by November 18. This leaves no room for the India leg, marking a second postponement after initial doubts in August.
Official Confusion: No Word from Kerala Sports Ministry
Adding to the disarray, officials from Minister Abdurahiman’s office stated on October 25 that they have received no formal notification of the postponement. “The department will liaise with relevant authorities to verify the schedule change,” one official noted. This lack of communication underscores logistical teething issues that plagued the planning from the start.
| Key Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | AFA confirms Kochi match; stadium inspection by representatives. |
| Mid-October 2025 | Argentine media flags potential delays; rescheduling talks for March 2026. |
| October 25, 2025 | Sponsor announces postponement; AFA reveals Angola fixture. |
| Next Steps | Match eyed for future FIFA window; new date pending. |
Fan Reactions: Disappointment Echoes on Social Media
The news has sparked widespread dismay online, with Kerala fans venting frustration over the repeated hype-and-letdown cycle. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from outlets like PTI News and News18 trended with hashtags like #MessiKerala and #LionelMessiKerala, lamenting the lost opportunity. Earlier excitement from September-October, including Kerala Police’s confirmation of Messi’s attendance for up to 32,000 fans, now feels like a distant dream.
While the postponement stings, Augustine’s pledge for a future showdown offers a sliver of hope. For now, Messi’s magic in Kerala remains on hold, but the passion of Indian supporters endures.
