Football fans in India have a chance to see veteran Lionel Messi and Argentina team in an exhibition match in Kerala in October. It is 14 years later that the World Cup winning captain will visit India after 2011.
In November last year, V Abdurhiman, Sports Minister of Kerala announced that Argentina team will visit the southern state And play two friendly matches in Kochi.
On Wednesday, March 26, HSBC India became the official partner of the Argentina team, announcing that the match will be held in October, cooperating and campaigning football in India.
A release by HSBC India said, “Under this partnership, Argentina National Football Team, which includes legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit India for an international exhibition match in October 2025.”
“Argentina Football Association (AFA) and HSBC today announced a new one -year partnership for India and Singapore, covering the competitive season in 2026 World Cup qualifications in 2026 World Cup qualifications today.”
Messi’s first visit to India was in September 2011, when he played the World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela in Kolkata. Argentina won a 1-0 win at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Head International Wealth and Premier Banking HSBC India, Sandeep Batra said: “As we join the army with one of the most revered teams in the world of football, we are ready to create a similar unforgettable experience for fans and customers, and support the Argentine team in our journey towards the World Cup 2026.”
Argentina Football Association President Claudio Fabian Tapia said: “A new milestone has been achieved for the international expansion of AFA, which is opening new opportunities with HSBC in both India and Singapore.
“This agreement takes care of our team and we are ready to strengthen our agreement and expand into many areas as we progress in 2025 and 2026. We welcome HSBC as the new partner of the Argentina National Team.”
Argentina, on Wednesday, Eligible for FIFA World Cup 2026 After a round attraction between Uruguay and Bolivia. Later in the day, Argentina’s team, which did not have Messi, defeated hardcore rivals 4–1 in Estadio Month Souvenirs.