On Thursday, Argentina wrapped up their 2024 commitments in fashion, defeating Peru 1-0 in Buenos Aires on Matchday 12 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. It capped off a stellar 12 months wherein the workforce clinched the Copa America and strengthened their place on the street to the event in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Now, as they plan their schedule for subsequent 12 months, a overseas official has shared information concerning Lionel Messi and his workforce.
“Kerala is ready to make historical past as FIFA World Cup champions Argentina are anticipated to go to subsequent 12 months,” introduced Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on his official account on X, previously often known as Twitter. His assertion hinted at a possible tour by Lionel Scaloni’s workforce in 2025, with at the very least one cease in India.
“This dream is turning into a actuality due to the efforts of the State Authorities and the help of AFA (Argentine Soccer Affiliation),” Vijayan added. He concluded his message with a name to motion: “Let’s gear as much as welcome the champions and rejoice our love for soccer!”
Whereas this announcement has not but been formally confirmed by Argentine authorities, it strongly means that the world champions will go to Asia subsequent 12 months. Nevertheless, the timing of the journey stays unsure, as Argentina have a number of official commitments scheduled for 2025.
Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez of Argentina rejoice in opposition to Bolivia (Marcelo Endelli/Getty Pictures)
Argentina’s 2025 schedule
The Albiceleste’s packed 2025 calendar begins in March with crucial World Cup qualifiers. Lionel Messi and his teammates will first journey to Uruguay for a troublesome away fixture earlier than internet hosting Brazil in Buenos Aires.
In June, Argentina will face Chile on the street after which welcome Colombia at residence. The qualifiers conclude in September, with matches in opposition to Venezuela and Ecuador, the latter in Quito’s difficult high-altitude atmosphere.
With these commitments accomplished, Argentina can have larger flexibility through the October and November worldwide home windows, making these months the most certainly interval for a possible go to to Kerala.
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Argentina’s latest historical past in Asia
Argentina’s ties with Asia have grown lately, although not with out challenges. In early 2024, the workforce was scheduled to play friendlies in opposition to Ivory Coast and Nigeria in China. Nevertheless, these matches had been canceled resulting from logistical points and changed with video games in opposition to El Salvador and Costa Rica in the US.
The workforce’s final go to to Asia got here in June 2023, after they secured back-to-back victories in opposition to Australia (2-0) in Beijing and Indonesia (2-0) in Jakarta. If confirmed, the Kerala go to in 2025 would mark their return to the continent, providing thousands and thousands of Asian followers one other likelihood to witness Messi’s magic on the pitch.
