The Argentina national football team, captained by the legendary Lionel Messi, will visit India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match. The announcement was made by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Wednesday as part of Argentina’s global outreach efforts ahead of the final matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia described the initiative as a major step for the team’s global presence. “A new milestone has been achieved for the expansion of our team, opening new opportunities in both India and Singapore. We look forward to consolidating our presence in multiple regions as we progress in 2025 and 2026,” Tapia said.
Since 2021, the AFA has been actively working to build stronger connections in India, a country known for its growing enthusiasm for football.
Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, said the visit aligns with Argentina’s long-term goal of engaging with football fans across the globe.
“This is a new step in AFA’s global expansion. Since 2021, we have identified key opportunities in India and have built a strong connection with the local football community. Our goal is to continue strengthening these relationships while bringing the best of Argentine football to fans,” Petersen explained.
Messi’s return to India
This will not be Messi’s first visit to India. In 2011, Argentina played a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.
Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, expressed excitement about supporting Argentina in their journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
“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,” Batra said.
