NEW DELHI, March 26: The Argentina national football team, led by legendary forward Lionel Messi, will visit India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match, as announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Wednesday.
The visit is part of Argentina’s global outreach efforts ahead of the final qualification matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It aims to strengthen Argentina’s presence in international football markets and foster deeper engagement with football fans worldwide.
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia hailed the initiative as a significant milestone for Argentina’s international expansion. “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 stated.
Since 2021, AFA has been actively working to establish a foothold in India, recognizing the nation’s growing enthusiasm for football. Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, emphasized the importance of this move as part of Argentina’s broader strategy to expand its reach into key football markets.
“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 said.
This will mark Messi’s return to India after 14 years. He previously played in Kolkata in 2011 when Argentina faced Venezuela in a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium, securing a 1-0 victory.
The event has also garnered interest from corporate partners. Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, welcomed the collaboration, stating, “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, and supporting the Argentine team in their journey towards the World Cup 2026.”
Argentina’s visit is expected to draw massive attention from Indian football fans, with expectations of a packed stadium and an electrifying atmosphere. Further details regarding match fixtures, venues, and ticket sales are likely to be announced in the coming months.
