The anticipated friendly match between Argentina and a top international side in Kochi, Kerala, featuring Lionel Messi has been postponed from November 17 due to delays in obtaining FIFA's permission. Organizers cited regulatory and logistical issues as the main reasons, with the game now set for the next FIFA international window. Fans in Kerala expressed disappointment over the setback to this historic event.
Excitement had been building in Kerala for months ahead of the Argentina national team's visit, marking Lionel Messi's return to India after over a decade. The World Cup champions were scheduled to play at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on November 17, 2025, against a top international side. However, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) confirmed the fixture's postponement, opting instead for a single friendly against Angola on November 14, followed by training in Spain.
Anto Augustine, managing director of Reporter Broadcasting Company and a key organizer, announced the decision on Facebook. "Considering the delay in receiving FIFA’s permission, after discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), it has been decided to postpone the match from the November window," he wrote. Augustine assured fans that the match would occur in the next FIFA international window, with a new date to be announced soon. Reports from Argentine media, including La Nacion, suggest March 2026 as a possible rescheduling, though no official confirmation has been issued.
The primary cause was the pending FIFA approval, despite recommendations from the All India Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation. Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman explained that all required documents were submitted on Friday night, and the match could still proceed in November if approval arrives immediately. He noted minor stadium issues, such as halogen lighting that takes time to activate—a tender for upgrades has been issued—and documentation gaps. Fire and safety audits are complete, and AFA representatives had inspected the venue and hotels, expressing initial satisfaction.
Abdurahiman also highlighted external factors, stating that emails from some Kerala residents to FIFA raised concerns about the stadium, contributing to the delays. "Our own people are behind blocking of the event," he said. An AFA spokesperson added, "We made every effort to organize the match in November. A delegation even visited India to inspect the stadium and hotels, but unfortunately, India could not fulfill the required conditions. Repeated breaches of regulations forced us to restructure the agreement and decide on a new date."
The minister emphasized the preference for a full team match over a solo Messi visit, viewing the delay positively for sports development. Earlier confusion arose when Abdurahiman mentioned a possible cancellation, but AFA confirmed the Kochi game in August. The postponement underscores the challenges of hosting FIFA-sanctioned events in India.