Kerala to Host a Friendly Football Match Between India and Lionel Messi’s Argentina

Vishal Bhawani January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 Argentina National Football Team, Indian National Football Team

In a bold move, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman has expressed the state’s eagerness to organize a friendly football match between India vs Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Taking to social media, the minister criticized the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) decision to decline Argentina’s offer for a friendly fixture due to budget constraints.

India vs Argentina Friendly Football Match – Possibility?

The Albiceleste, currently the top-ranked national team globally, approached the AIFF earlier this week with a proposal for a friendly game in India. However, the offer was turned down, leading to discontent among football enthusiasts.

Ashique Kuruniyan responded to Kerala government's desire to host Argentina by suggesting to rather improve the basics & infrastructures for developing the talent & helping in the growth of #IndianFootball 💯 pic.twitter.com/xsGiRHagOO
— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) July 6, 2023

Abdurahiman, in a Facebook post, emphasized the potential positive impact on Indian football if the friendly match had been hosted.

“The friendly match was a gift from Messi and his team in return for the overwhelming support they received. The level of stimulation it gave to Indian football could not even be measured,” he stated.

The minister urged decision-makers in Indian football to adopt a proactive approach, warning that without such measures, India would remain at its 101st position in the FIFA rankings.

Highlighting Kerala’s fervour for the sport, Abdurahiman outlined the state’s love for Messi and Argentina, recounting instances of turning Kerala into a sea of blue during the World Cup.

He also detailed the state government’s efforts to build a rapport with Argentina, including the visit of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to the Argentina Ambassador in Delhi.

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Expressing disappointment over the AIFF’s decision, Abdurahiman affirmed Kerala’s commitment to welcoming Argentina.

“Kerala will always welcome Argentina by heart. We will also make arrangements to organize the match. That will be the best prize that can be given to football,” he added.

The statement from Kerala’s Sports Minister adds an intriguing twist to the potential collaboration between India and Messi’s Argentina, promising exciting developments for football enthusiasts in the state and beyond.