Kerala football fans are preparing for an historic experience as Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup-winning team are to play in Kochi this November.
The much-awaited international friendly will involve Argentina taking on Australia, officials announced, the match provisionally slated between November 15 and 18 at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium.
While there had been rampant speculation in recent weeks over Argentina's rival and the arrangements of the star-studded event, clarity has finally been brought.
"It will be Australia who will be playing against the Messi-led Argentinean national side," an official from Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman's office informed IANS.
The official further added that there was no word on the visit of an Argentinean football representative on Tuesday, while the minister himself had official commitments in Kochi.
Organisations are already making preparations for the match in earnest.
A senior security official from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) even visited Kochi last week, going around the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium checking its readiness to host a world-class football carnival.
Given Messi’s global stature and the significance of welcoming the reigning world champions, security arrangements are expected to be of the highest standard.
The match promises to be a captivating showdown. Australia, currently 25th in the FIFA rankings, has been in excellent form.
Notably, since the second half of 2024, they have gone unbeaten in 18 consecutive matches, highlighting the formidable challenge Argentina will face.
For the fans, though, the showpiece will clearly be Messi, whose arrival in Kochi is likely to ignite Kerala's passion for football like never before.
Kerala, known for its fervent football culture, has traditionally welcomed sides like Argentina and Brazil with almost religious fervor during World Cups, with streets covered in massive flags and cut-outs symbolizing the state's affection for the sport.
With tickets expected to sell fast, the November game is set to become one of India's finest sporting memories.
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