Kochi Eagerly Awaits Messi's World Cup-Winning Team

As of October 15, 2025, there has been much confusion over Argentina's planned visit to Kerala, India next month. However, the main sponsor of the event, Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC) Pvt Ltd, has now confirmed that Lionel Messi and his world champion teammates will indeed be playing a friendly match against Australia at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on November 17.

Earlier, there were reports suggesting the match might be shifted to an African country, but RBC's managing director, Anto Augustine, has dismissed these rumors. He stated that RBC has been working hard for several months to bring Messi and the Argentine national team to Kerala, and they are confident the match will go ahead as scheduled.

Kerala's sports minister, V. Abdurahiman, has also confirmed that Argentina will arrive in the state as planned. He said the security arrangements have been examined and approved by the Argentine Football Association, and the state government is making hectic preparations to host the high-profile event.

This update comes after the Argentina Football Association had officially confirmed friendlies in both Luanda, Angola, and Kochi earlier this month. The recent doubts expressed by some Argentine media outlets about the match being canceled or shifted to Africa have now been put to rest by the local organizers and authorities.