Fans to witness Lionel Messi play in India this October
What's the story
Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team will be visiting India for an international exhibition match in October. The match will be played in Kerala, marking the team's return to India after 14 years.
HSBC India, which has partnered with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) for the event, made the announcement. The partnership aims to promote football in India and Singapore during the competitive season of 2025, ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualification final matches of 2026.
Official statement
HSBC India announces partnership with AFA
HSBC India has announced its partnership with AFA.
"Under this partnership, the Argentina national football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit India for an international exhibition match in October 2025," read a release from the bank.
Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India said he was excited to partner with such a revered football team. He looks forward to creating unforgettable experiences for fans while supporting Argentina's journey toward World Cup 2026.
Expansion plans
AFA president welcomes partnership with HSBC
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia welcomed HSBC as the new partner of the Argentina national team.
He said that this partnership is a major milestone for AFA's international expansion and opens new opportunities in India and Singapore.
Tapia was optimistic about consolidating their agreement with HSBC and extending it to multiple regions as they move through 2025 and 2026.
Historical match
Messi's previous visit to India
Messi's first visit to India was in September 2011 when he played an international friendly match against Venezuela in Kolkata.
Argentina had won that match 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium.
The upcoming exhibition match will give Indian football fans another opportunity to witness the legendary player and his team on home soil.