AFA, Reporter TV confirm arrival of Lionel Messi-led Argentina in Kerala

Argentina will face Australia on November 17th at Kochi

The wait for clarity is finally over as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi and the Argentina National Team will arrive in Kochi to play Australia at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, on November 17, 2025.

The entire event is being organised by Reporter TV in association with the Kerala Government, which has been working closely with the AFA and FIFA to bring this historic fixture to India.

Despite the state’s ₹70 crore renovation plan for the JLN Stadium already underway, unverified reports from Argentine outlets had raised doubts among fans about Messi’s arrival. However, Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine went live on air to clear the air and share the update every football fan had been waiting for.

“Ever since the Kerala Government and Reporter TV decided to bring Messi on board to Kerala, there have been various people who have been desperately trying to spread the false news that both Messi and the Argentine National Team would not be coming to Kerala. Big names like Messi, the Argentina National team and the Australian National team coming to Kerala is a historical achievement for India, and it is very saddening to see people spread misinformation like this,” said Anto Augustine.

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AFA Confirms Arrival in Kochi

Augustine confirmed that after months of coordination, the AFA officially informed them that the Argentina National Team, captained by Lionel Messi, will arrive in Kochi to face Australia on November 17, 2025.

The Reporter TV has been tirelessly working for the past 5-6 months with the support of the Kerala Government to bring Messi to Kerala. At last, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has given us an official confirmation that the Argentina National Football Team, under the leadership of Messi, will arrive at Kochi and face Australia on the 17th of November, 2025″ said Anto Augustine.

The confirmation finally ends weeks of speculation and rumours surrounding the venue and the team’s visit to Kerala.

Argentina will reach Kochi on November 15, while the Australian team will land on November 10. The Australian team will also be accompanied by a delegation of the Australian government.

Lionel Messi’s Arrival Confirmed: Preparations in Full Swing

Anto Augustine assured fans that Messi’s visit to Kerala is confirmed beyond doubt, urging everyone to move past the speculation and focus on the preparations. He highlighted that the Kerala Government, GCDA, Sports Ministry, and Kerala Police have all begun logistical and infrastructural arrangements to host the World Cup champions.

“The final decision on the number of spectators will be taken as per the recommendations of the expert committee. Arrangements will be made to admit 50,000 spectators. There will be traffic control. Fan parks will be arranged. More CCTVs and drones will be prepared for security,” said Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya.

The stadium capacity has been increased to 50,000, and the revamp work is progressing on schedule. Official documents related to both teams have been submitted to the AIFF, KFA, and the Kerala Government, while Reporter TV has also received official confirmation from the AFA — ensuring there will be no changes to the match details.

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Mini World Cup-Style Kickoff Event on November 16

Fans will get a special chance to watch the Argentina team’s training session live before the match. Augustine also revealed plans for a grand “Kick-Off Event” on November 16, featuring a mini World Cup-style celebration with performances by A.R. Rahman and his band, along with other top artists.

Argentina Squad for the Match Against Australia

The Argentina squad travelling to Kerala includes:

Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Juan Foyth, Nahuel Molina, Marcos Acuña, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Exequiel Palacios, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolás González, Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, and Lautaro Martínez.

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