Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The eagerly awaited friendly match featuring Lionel Messi’s Argentina and India, which was set for November 17 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, has been delayed. The match will now take place during the forthcoming international match window designated by FIFA. Organizers assure that an updated date will be disclosed soon.
This delay is attributed to lag in the official approvals from FIFA, the leading authority in global football. Anto Augustine, managing director of the Reporter Broadcasting Company and the event’s sponsor, shared on social media that conversations with FIFA and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) influenced the decision to postpone the match.
The AFA highlighted multiple difficulties regarding the match being held in India in November. Reports suggest that the stadium and associated facilities fell short of FIFA's standards, coupled with ongoing preparation issues. Despite the efforts of the organizers, including sending a team to evaluate the stadium and its amenities, fulfilling the November timeline was unfeasible.
Confusion arose among fans due to recent announcements from the Kerala Sports Minister and others, with reports initially suggesting that the match had been canceled. However, the AFA later confirmed that Argentina would still be heading to Kochi, although the date had to be modified, causing further uncertainty.
Organizers are coordinating closely with FIFA and AFA to determine a new date for this match. It is likely to be rescheduled during the next FIFA international window, potentially in early 2026. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on official communications related to tickets and timings.
Even with the postponement, Messi’s anticipated visit along with this friendly encounter continues to excite fans. Organizers are committed to ensuring that the newly scheduled match meets all FIFA criteria and provides an unforgettable experience for football enthusiasts in India.
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