Lionel Messi fever has gripped India as the Argentine superstar is scheduled to visit the country in back-to-back trips in November and December.
Messi's personal tour of India in December has already been confirmed as the legendary footballer will visit at least three Indian cities, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi on December 13, 14 and 15 respectively.
However, ahead of his personal trip, the 38-year-old is also scheduled to visit the southern state of Kerala with the Argentina national team as the reigning world champions will play a friendly game during the international break in the second week of November.
Reports emerged earlier on Monday that Messi and Argentina's trip to Kerala might be cancelled, as La Albiceleste will face Angola earlier in Africa and the South American nation was considering playing another African nation in the second match to avoid long-distance travel.
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Is Lionel Messi's match in India cancelled?
A fresh report now claims that Messi and Argentina will travel to Kerala as per schedule and the game, which was announced almost two months back, will go as per schedule in India.
Anto Augustine, the managing director of Reporter Broadcasting Company (the sponsor of Argentina's friendly game), has refuted the rumours of the match being cancelled as he told Sportstar, "I have seen the report that the Argentina match would be played in Africa and not in India. And of course, Messi would be playing. It is the main World Cup-winning squad of Argentina that is coming to India."
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Argentina's opponent for the November friendly in Kerala revealed
Argentina are likely to play the international friendly in Kerala against AFC giants Australia in November, as confirmed by Anto, who further added: "We could confirm it only after a few days, but efforts are on to get a strong team for Australia to play against. Iran is one of the teams we are looking at. Argentina will reach Kochi on November 15, while the Australians will land on November 10. The Australian team will also be accompanied by a delegation of the Australian government."
He added: "We are starting a roadshow on October 17; it will begin at Kozhikode and will cover all 14 districts of Kerala. There will be a music show by A.R. Rahman, too."
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