Lionel Messi, the global football icon and captain of the Argentina national team, has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a potential visit to India in 2025. Fans across the country are buzzing with excitement, but conflicting reports have left many wondering whether the dream of seeing the FIFA World Cup champion play on Indian soil will become a reality. This article dives into the latest updates and everything you need to know about Messi’s possible visit to India in 2025.

The Buzz Around Messi’s India Visit

In November 2024, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced that Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team would visit Kerala in 2025 to play two international friendly matches, with at least one fixture expected in Kochi. This news sent waves of excitement through India’s football community, with fans eagerly anticipating the chance to see the legendary player in action. The announcement was further fueled by posts on X, with users like @CricCrazyJohns and @breathMessi21 sharing the news in March 2025, confirming an exhibition match scheduled for October 2025.

However, doubts emerged in May 2025 when reports surfaced that the visit might be canceled due to funding issues. Organizers reportedly struggled to raise the ₹100 crore needed to host the reigning FIFA World Cup champions. Despite these setbacks, recent developments have reignited hope, with the Kerala Sports Minister providing fresh updates on the status of the visit.

Latest Updates on Messi’s Kerala Visit

On June 7, 2025, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman reaffirmed that the Argentina national team, led by Lionel Messi, is set to visit Kerala for a friendly match in October or November 2025. The minister’s announcement came after resolving earlier financial hurdles, with the match fee payment now cleared and the government prepared to host the team as state guests.