Football fans in India have a major reason to celebrate as Argentina’s national football team, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, is set to visit the country for an international exhibition match in October 2025. The match will take place in Kerala, marking Messi’s highly anticipated return to the subcontinent after 14 years.
Messi’s Return to India After Over a Decade
The last time Messi played in India was in September 2011, when he captained Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela in Kolkata. The match, held at the Salt Lake Stadium, saw Argentina secure a 1-0 victory, much to the delight of Indian football enthusiasts. Now, more than a decade later, the Argentine superstar is set to grace Indian soil once again.
Argentina’s Kerala Tour: What We Know So Far
In November 2024, Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman had already hinted at Argentina’s visit, revealing that the world champions would be playing two friendly matches in Kochi. The visit is part of a newly announced partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC, covering India and Singapore.
While the exact dates and venues are yet to be confirmed, the announcement has already created a buzz among Indian football fans. Given Messi’s global stature and the immense popularity of Argentina’s national team, the matches are expected to witness a massive turnout.
HSBC Becomes Argentina’s Official Banking Partner in India
The one-year agreement between HSBC and AFA positions the global banking giant as the official banking partner of Argentina’s national team in both India and Singapore. The deal includes:
- Branding and activation rights for HSBC.
- Exclusive benefits for HSBC customers, including match tickets, fan experiences, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Argentine football stars.
Official Statements on the Partnership
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia welcomed HSBC as a crucial partner in Argentina’s international expansion. He stated:
“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.”
Meanwhile, Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, expressed enthusiasm about 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.”
Argentina Secures 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification
In other major news, Argentina officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this week. The qualification was confirmed after Bolivia failed to defeat Uruguay, resulting in a goalless draw in El Alto. This ensured that Argentina secured one of the six direct qualification spots allotted to South American teams for the upcoming 48-team tournament.
Argentina, currently leading the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 28 points, has been in dominant form, securing key away victories against Brazil and Uruguay. The team will next face archrivals Brazil at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium.
How Will Messi Be Managed for the 2026 World Cup?
Despite Argentina’s incredible run in the qualifiers, coach Lionel Scaloni has opted to rest the 37-year-old Messi for several matches, raising speculation about how the team plans to manage its captain ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Argentina’s Kerala tour, Indian fans will have a rare opportunity to witness Messi and his team in action on home soil. This visit not only highlights India’s growing importance in international football but also strengthens ties between Indian and Argentine footballing communities.
