Kerala, India — Football lovers in Kerala will have to wait longer to witness their icon Lionel Messi in action on home soil, as the latest international schedule of Argentina’s national team excludes India from its 2026 tour. Short URL
Despite massive diplomatic and sporting efforts by the Kerala state government in 2024 and 2025, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has confirmed Messi’s team will tour China, Qatar, and Africa in 2026 — but not India.
Months of Planning Dashed in an Instant
Back in November 2024, Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman had proudly announced that Messi and the Argentine squad would play an international friendly match in Kerala. The deal followed extensive negotiations with the AFA in Spain. However, Kerala has been omitted from the confirmed fixture list.
For full details on India’s preparations for the upcoming tournament, read: India’s FIFA 2026 World Cup Strategy.
A Personal Mission for the Minister
Minister Abdurahiman, hailing from Malappuram, one of Kerala’s football heartlands, has long championed bringing Messi to Kerala. His high-profile efforts were closely tied with the state’s political calendar, as Kerala heads to state elections in April-May 2026.
Kerala’s Undying Love for Messi
Districts like Malappuram and Kozhikode have long been bastions of Argentina fandom. The passion intensified after Messi led Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His only appearance in India was in 2011 during a friendly against Venezuela in Kolkata, drawing thousands from across Kerala.
Read more about Messi’s legacy: Top Moments From Messi’s 2022 World Cup.
Will Messi Ever Play in Kerala?
As the football legend approaches the twilight of his career, it’s unclear if Kerala will ever see Messi grace its grounds. While hope remains, the 2026 snub is a setback for football enthusiasts and policymakers alike.
Final Whistle
As Kerala’s political and sporting circles reel from the exclusion, Sports Minister Abdurahiman and thousands of fans remain hopeful that one day the football wizard will make an appearance in the state.
Learn about Kerala’s Argentina obsession here: Why Kerala Loves Argentina: Football Fan Culture.
