Argentina's Friendly Match Against India Delayed, New Date to be Announced

Post by : Mara Rahim

The eagerly awaited friendly encounter featuring Lionel Messi’s Argentina and India, originally set for November 17 at Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, will be postponed. The match will occur during FIFA's next international match window, with organizers promising to reveal a new date in the near future.

This delay follows a lack of timely official authorization from FIFA, the global football governing authority. According to Anto Augustine, the managing director from Reporter Broadcasting Company and event sponsor, the decision to postpone was made after consultations with both FIFA and the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

The AFA highlighted multiple complications regarding the match’s organization in India this November. Reports have suggested that the stadium along with its supporting arrangements fell short of FIFA standards, with preparations experiencing repeated issues. Despite the organizers' efforts, which included sending a team to evaluate the venue, the originally planned November schedule could not be upheld.

Uncertainty arose among fans due to conflicting information earlier shared by the Kerala Sports Minister and others; at one juncture, the match was incorrectly reported as cancelled. Later, the AFA reaffirmed that Argentina would still travel to Kochi, albeit with a revised timeline.

Organizers are in close collaboration with FIFA and the AFA to settle on a new date, which may coincide with the upcoming FIFA international window, potentially in early 2026. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on official channels for updates concerning tickets and scheduling.

Although the match has been deferred, Messi's anticipated visit and the friendly remain highlights for Indian football enthusiasts. Organizers are committed to ensuring the rescheduled event adheres to all FIFA protocols and delivers a memorable experience for fans.