Kochi: The much-anticipated friendly football match between World Champions Argentina and Australia in Kochi, Kerala, has hit another hurdle. Australia’s national team, the Socceroos, has officially withdrawn from the proposed fixture scheduled for the March 2026 FIFA international window, citing their commitment to host a FIFA Series tournament.
The friendly, which would feature superstar Lionel Messi, was originally planned for November 17 this year but was postponed. Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman and the match sponsor had consistently maintained that Argentina’s Football Association (AFA) had agreed to bring the World Champions to Kochi during the March 23-31, 2026, international window.
However, the latest announcement regarding the FIFA Series 2026, an initiative by FIFA to create cross-continent match opportunities, confirmed Australia as one of the host nations for the event during the same period. The Socceroos stated that participating in the FIFA Series is essential preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
The confirmation of Australia’s non-availability means that if Argentina proceeds with the trip to Kerala, the organizers will have to scramble to find a new international opponent for the team.
Further complicating the matter is Argentina’s existing schedule for the March window, which includes the Finalissima—an intercontinental clash against European Champions Spain—scheduled for March 27 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Football fans across Kerala, who had been eagerly awaiting a chance to see Messi and the Albiceleste live, now face heightened uncertainty over whether the match will proceed as planned or be cancelled entirely.
