ReutersFootball fans in India are in for a treat as Argentina’s national football team, led by Lionel Messi, is set to visit the country for an international exhibition match in October 2025 in Kerala.
This marks legendary player Messi's return to subcontinent after 14 years.
Notably, in November last year, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman had announced the news of Argentina visiting the southern state and playing two friendly matches in Kochi.
The visit comes as part of a newly announced partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC, covering India and Singapore.
The one-year agreement, signed ahead of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualification final matches, makes HSBC the official banking partner of the Argentina National Team in both countries. As part of the deal, HSBC will hold branding and activation rights while offering its customers exclusive benefits such as match tickets, fan experiences, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Argentine football stars.
Messi's first visit to India was in September 2011 when the football maestro was here to play a World Cup qualifying round match against Venezuela in Kolkata, which his team won 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium.
However, the exact date and venue of the legend's arrival this year is yet to be known.
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia hailed the partnership as a significant step in the federation’s international expansion. "We are delighted to have HSBC, the unique banking institution of India, as a new partner for the Argentine Football Association in India. A new milestone has been achieved for the international expansion of AFA, opening new opportunities with HSBC both in India and in Singapore," Tapia said.
Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “HSBC is proud to announce our groundbreaking partnership with the Argentina Football Association in India and Singapore. As we join forces with one of the most revered teams in the world of football, we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for fans and customers alike,” he said.
Meanwhile, in other news, defending champions Argentina officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after Bolivia failed to defeat Uruguay. The goalless draw in El Alto ensured that Argentina secured one of the six direct berths allotted to South America for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 28 points and will face archrival Brazil at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium later on Tuesday. The team, led by Lionel Messi, has dominated the qualifiers, recording key away wins against Brazil and Uruguay.
Despite Argentina’s commanding run, coach Lionel Scaloni has opted to rest 37-year-old Messi for several matches, raising questions about how the star forward will be managed leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
This marks legendary player Messi's return to subcontinent after 14 years.
Notably, in November last year, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman had announced the news of Argentina visiting the southern state and playing two friendly matches in Kochi.
The visit comes as part of a newly announced partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC, covering India and Singapore.
The one-year agreement, signed ahead of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualification final matches, makes HSBC the official banking partner of the Argentina National Team in both countries. As part of the deal, HSBC will hold branding and activation rights while offering its customers exclusive benefits such as match tickets, fan experiences, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Argentine football stars.
Messi's first visit to India was in September 2011 when the football maestro was here to play a World Cup qualifying round match against Venezuela in Kolkata, which his team won 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium.
However, the exact date and venue of the legend's arrival this year is yet to be known.
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia hailed the partnership as a significant step in the federation’s international expansion. "We are delighted to have HSBC, the unique banking institution of India, as a new partner for the Argentine Football Association in India. A new milestone has been achieved for the international expansion of AFA, opening new opportunities with HSBC both in India and in Singapore," Tapia said.
Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “HSBC is proud to announce our groundbreaking partnership with the Argentina Football Association in India and Singapore. As we join forces with one of the most revered teams in the world of football, we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for fans and customers alike,” he said.
Meanwhile, in other news, defending champions Argentina officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after Bolivia failed to defeat Uruguay. The goalless draw in El Alto ensured that Argentina secured one of the six direct berths allotted to South America for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 28 points and will face archrival Brazil at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium later on Tuesday. The team, led by Lionel Messi, has dominated the qualifiers, recording key away wins against Brazil and Uruguay.
Despite Argentina’s commanding run, coach Lionel Scaloni has opted to rest 37-year-old Messi for several matches, raising questions about how the star forward will be managed leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
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