Argentina football team in Kerala: Rs 70 crore allotted for renovation of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of Lionel Messi's arrival

For Indian football fans, 2025 will end with a bang! Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of the modern era, will be visiting the country after a long gap of 14 years. The Argentine superstar has a double whammy treat for his fans as there will be two phases of his trip.

 

The first of it involving Argentina football team's friendly fixture in Kerala will see Messi leading the world champions for an exhibition match to be held in Kochi, Kerala. In mid-December, Messi will then be involved in an exclusive visit to India, spanning multiple major cities with plenty of events lined up in sync with the maestro's arrival.

 

For now, the friendly match is in the limelight as it shall set the tone for the rest of Messi's programs in the country. On Friday (October 10), local media television outfit Reporter TV revealed that Rs 70 crore has been allotted for the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi - the venue for Argentina's friendly fixture scheduled for November 17.

 

As per reports, Australia are likely to be the opponent for this match. For those unaware, Reporter TV are the sponsors of Argentina's football team for this fixture. Managing Director of Reporter TV Anto Augustine claims that the stadium will be modified to international standards before Argentina's friendly fixture next month.

 

The JNS Stadium has hosted plenty of international cricket but since the exit of IPL franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala, the venue has been primarily used for football matches, mostly in the Indian Super League (ISL). Augustine felt that venue had the base for becoming a top sporting venue and is confident that his team can complete the venue makeover before Messi and co arrive.

 

"There will be a lot of changes to this stadium in the upcoming month," said Augustine in a chat on Reporter Live.

 

"We have just a month left now and upgrading the stadium to world class levels will not be an easy task but it shall be done. The required renovation works have already begun. Today, we had a meeting with the Chief Minister and the special teams for this purpose. Important topics were deliberated upon and we are moving forward with confidence."

 

Apart from the playing conditions of the venue, comfort levels of players and fans will be a major factor for Augustine's team to negotiate. JNS is a venue where even the ISL games have gone jam-packed with an electric atmosphere from start to finish. Kerala Blasters FC games have always had a surreal hype to it whenever they have played at home.

 

Factor in a legend like Messi and his Argentina football team, and one can only imagine the kind of mayhem that could happen. The crowd capacity for the stadium needs a significant increase. Augustine has mentioned this as a top priority for the organising committee and has also promised wholesale changes in the structure of the venue.

 

"There will be multiple VVIP lounges and hospitality boxes for premium ticket-holders. We are expanding the crowd capacity of the venue. It will be ensured that the public can enter and exit the stadium smoothly without safety concerns."

 

 

 

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