THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Nov 20: Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced on Wednesday that the Argentina football team, featuring global football icon Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year to play two international matches. The much-anticipated event will be conducted under the direct supervision of the Kerala government.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister Abdurahiman revealed that the event will receive full logistical and financial support from the state. “All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state,” he stated. The minister expressed confidence in Kerala’s ability to host this historic sporting occasion, highlighting the state’s enthusiasm for football and its readiness to deliver a world-class event.
The announcement comes after a high-level Kerala delegation, led by Minister Abdurahiman, visited Spain to hold discussions with the Argentina Football Association (AFA). The meetings, held in Madrid, explored the possibility of hosting Argentina’s three-time World Cup-winning team (1978, 1986, 2022) in Kerala. Describing the discussions as fruitful, the minister noted, “We have held excellent discussions on how an exhibition match of the Argentina team could be held in Kerala, and as a follow-up on our discussion, a delegation of the AFA will be visiting Kerala shortly.”
In addition to organising matches, the AFA has expressed interest in collaborating with Kerala to establish football academies in the state. Minister Abdurahiman hailed this initiative as a significant boost for Kerala’s sports infrastructure and a step forward in nurturing local football talent.
