{"id":3465,"date":"2024-11-22T14:54:58","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T09:24:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecord.in\/?p=3465"},"modified":"2024-11-22T14:55:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T09:25:05","slug":"lionel-messi-to-play-in-india-after-14-years-as-argentina-football-team-gears-up-for-2025-international-match","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecord.in\/?p=3465","title":{"rendered":"Lionel Messi to Play in India After 14 Years as Argentina Football Team Gears Up for 2025 International Match"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In an exciting development for football fans<\/a> in India, Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced that the Argentina national football team<\/a>, including global icon Lionel Messi, will visit Kerala <\/a>for an international match <\/a>in 2025. This will mark Messi\u2019s first appearance in the state and his return to India after 14 years since his last match here in 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a press conference, Abdurahiman<\/a> confirmed that the state government would oversee the event, ensuring smooth organisation and logistics. \u201cThe match will be conducted under the complete supervision of the state government, with all financial assistance provided by the merchants of the state,\u201d he stated, expressing confidence in Kerala\u2019s capability to host such a significant sporting event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Messi, one of the most celebrated athletes in the world, has a massive following in India, despite cricket\u2019s dominance in the country. Kerala, known for its strong football culture<\/a>, stands out as a hub of passionate \u201c Messimania<\/a>.\u201d The state has long been home to passionate football fans who view the upcoming match as a historic occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last time Messi played in India<\/a> was in 2011, when Argentina faced Venezuela in a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium<\/a> in Kolkata. Since then, Messi\u2019s stature in the football world has only increased, especially after his high-profile move to Major League Soccer<\/a> (MLS) in 2023, which has further expanded his fan base globally, including in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event is expected to draw global attention to Kerala, further establishing its prominence as a venue for international sports<\/a>. \u201cThe match will be an enormous occasion for football in Kerala,\u201d Abdurahiman added, highlighting the state\u2019s growing reputation for hosting major events. As local fan clubs<\/a> and gatherings swell with excitement, preparations are already underway to ensure the match is a memorable one for fans and players alike.<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"