Buenos Aires, 1 November — Football fans in India will have to wait a little longer to see Lionel Messi and his World Cup-winning Argentina side in action. The much-anticipated international friendly, originally scheduled for 17 November 2025, will no longer take place in India as planned. The match has been postponed following delays in securing FIFA’s official approval, according to Argentine and Indian organisers.
Official Statement and Reason for Postponement
Anto Agustin, one of the local organisers, confirmed that the decision was made after consultations with the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
“The friendly match in India has been postponed due to the delay in FIFA approval. After discussions with AFA, it was agreed that the game will be rescheduled during the next FIFA international window,” Agustin said.
The next possible window for international fixtures would be in March 2026, though an exact date and venue are yet to be confirmed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Argentina National Football Team |
| Captain | Lionel Messi |
| Original Schedule | 17 November 2025 |
| Venue (Proposed) | India (Kerala, under consideration) |
| Status | Postponed |
| Reason | Delay in FIFA approval |
| Expected Reschedule | March 2026 (subject to confirmation) |
| Organiser | Argentine Football Association (AFA) |
| Local Representative | Anto Agustin |
Confusion Over India Tour Announcement
The Argentina tour to India had generated enormous excitement ever since AFA reportedly agreed in principle to play a friendly in Kerala, with Messi, Ángel Di María, and Julián Álvarez expected to feature.
However, the build-up was marred by conflicting reports. Earlier this year, the Sports Minister of Kerala announced that the match was cancelled, citing logistical concerns and lack of clarity from FIFA. Yet, in August 2025, the AFA confirmed Argentina’s intention to play in India, rekindling hopes among millions of Indian fans.
This week’s clarification from organisers has now put those hopes on hold again, though officials remain optimistic that the fixture will be rearranged.
Broader Context and Historical Significance
Had the fixture gone ahead, it would have marked Argentina’s first-ever senior international appearance in India — a historic occasion for South Asian football. The prospect of watching Messi play on Indian soil had drawn comparisons to Diego Maradona’s 2008 visit to Kolkata, which remains one of the most iconic football moments in Indian history.
Argentina’s popularity in India, particularly in Kerala, West Bengal, and the North-East, has deep cultural roots. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Argentina’s victory celebrations in Indian towns were widely covered by global media, underscoring the nation’s passionate following.
Reaction from Fans and Media
Argentine outlet TSN confirmed that the match’s postponement was inevitable due to tight scheduling and FIFA’s administrative process. The outlet reported that “the logistics of organising an international fixture in India within the November window proved impossible.”
In India, fans expressed disappointment but also understanding on social media. Football supporter groups in Kerala and Kolkata noted that hosting a team of Argentina’s stature requires “months of planning, security coordination, and pitch preparation.”
Local football historian Novy Kapadia once remarked that “no other foreign national team commands such devotion in India as Argentina,” a sentiment that remains true today.
What Happens Next
Organisers are now exploring the possibility of hosting the fixture during the March 2026 international break, which may also align with Argentina’s preparations for Copa América qualifiers.
If the match does go ahead next year, it could be a fitting farewell tour for Lionel Messi, who has hinted that he may retire from international football after 2026.
Until then, Indian fans must remain patient — but hope persists that the long-awaited moment of seeing the Albiceleste in Indian colours will eventually become a reality.