Lionel Messi to Play Exhibition Matches in Kerala in 2025

Kerala's sports minister confirms Argentina's visit for a special football event featuring Lionel Messi.

Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced that Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will visit Kerala next year for exhibition matches.
The event, titled 'Olopo Magic,' will be organized with financial support from local merchants and facilitated by the Olopo app.
Messi last visited India in 2011 for a friendly match, and his return is expected to highlight Kerala's passion for football.
Discussions with the Argentine Football Association included plans for potential football academies in Kerala.
The matches aim to boost Kerala's reputation as a football hub in India, attracting global attention to the state's sporting culture.