Messi’s India Debut Delayed: Argentina’s Kochi Friendly Pushed To Next FIFA Window

Football enthusiasts across India will have to wait a bit longer to witness Lionel Messi live in action. The Argentina national team’s friendly match, scheduled for November 17 at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, has been officially postponed. The announcement was made by Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, which is sponsoring the event. The delay stems from FIFA’s pending approval for the fixture.

Key Highlights  

- The match was originally set to feature Argentina versus Australia as part of Argentina’s post-World Cup global tour 
 
- FIFA’s delayed clearance prompted organizers to shift the match to the next international window, likely in March 2026  

- Argentina will now travel to Spain and Angola for training and a friendly match on November 14  

- Kerala’s sports department, which had coordinated with the event sponsor, has not yet received formal notice of the rescheduling  

- AFA officials had previously inspected Kochi’s stadium and facilities, indicating serious intent to host the match  

- Organizers remain optimistic that the original lineup and venue will be retained for the rescheduled event

While the postponement is a setback for Indian football fans, the anticipation surrounding Messi’s eventual visit continues to build. The rescheduled match is expected to be a landmark moment for Indian sports, blending global football prestige with local enthusiasm.

Sources: Moneycontrol, NDTV Sports, Firstpost, Outlook India, Sportstar