The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has conveyed their interest in scheduling friendly matches in Kerala, with the state sports minister, V Abdurahiman, exploring the possibility of hosting Argentina in October 2025. Originally planned for June this year, the matches were postponed due to the monsoon season. However, in a rather surprising turn of events, Lionel Messi and co have not agreed to play Sunil Chhetri-led India yet.
Despite the potential benefits that playing a team like Argentina can bring for for the Indian team, doubts arose about the world champions playing a team significantly lower in FIFA rankings.
AFA officials, in discussions with the state government, requested a list of potential opponents for Argentina’s national team. Upon submission of the list, the AFA will then proceed to select their rivals for upcoming matches.
If Argentina agree to play against our national side, it would be a huge boost for the Indian team. But it is unlikely that the world champions would agree to play against a side way below their FIFA rankings,” said a source to TOI.
The Argentina national football team made a prior appearance in India in 2011, engaging in a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Argentina secured a 1-0 victory in the match, led by captain Lionel Messi, who scored the sole goal. The event drew a massive crowd of over 85,000 spectators, showcasing the immense popularity and excitement surrounding the Argentine team’s visit to India.
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