The excitement surrounding Lionel Messi’s potential arrival in Kochi for a friendly match between Argentina and Australia on November 17, 2025, has been overshadowed by a series of confusing reports and mounting uncertainty.

Regardless of months of preparation and multiple official confirmations, the trip is now clouded by conflicting statements and administrative setbacks.

According to Spanish media outlet La Nación, the Argentina football team’s visit to Kerala has been called off due to the hosts failing to meet required conditions. The situation, however, remains in flux, with some organisers maintaining that the match will proceed as planned.

Timeline of the anticipated Messi visit

In December 2022, after Argentina’s historic World Cup victory, Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Ab

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