Kolkata, the “Mecca of Indian football,” erupted in joyous speculation this week as the Argentina Football Team bus, adorned with images of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, was spotted cruising through the city. This sighting fueled the already simmering rumors of Argentina’s potential return to India for a friendly match in 2025, sending a wave of excitement among football-mad fans.
The Argentina Football Association’s India page shared the video of the bus, igniting the flames of hope. Adding fuel to the fire, an official Argentina Football Team account retweeted the post, further blurring the lines between speculation and reality.
This wouldn’t be Argentina’s first tango with India’s passionate football scene. Kolkata, a city that holds Diego Maradona in legendary embrace, has long yearned for another glimpse of La Albiceleste magic. Adding weight to these desires, the Kerala Sports Ministry recently announced plans for Argentina to grace their state with two friendly matches in October 2025.
Argentina Football Team in India
Indian national team coach Igor Stimac, basking in the anticipation, has openly expressed his eagerness to lock horns with the reigning World Cup champions Argentina Football Team. “I would greatly appreciate it if the government of Kerala could consider investing in hosting Argentina,” he declared, advocating for stadium upgrades to showcase India’s football aspirations.
While Messi’s mesmerising dribbles and Maradona’s ghost dance in the hearts of many, Argentina’s official schedule already boasts two friendly encounters in China against African giants Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. This March rendezvous further strengthens the possibility of an Asian tour later in the year, with India potentially finding a spot on their itinerary.
Whether Lionel Messi graces the Indian soil remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the mere whiff of his presence has sent Kolkata, and perhaps the entire nation, into a football frenzy. The dream of witnessing the world’s finest weave their magic on Indian turf might just become a reality, leaving every football fan chanting “Messi, Messi” with fervent hope.
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