NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / Sports News / Fans to witness Lionel Messi play in India this October
    Summarize
    Next Article
    Fans to witness Lionel Messi play in India this October
    The match will be played in Kerala

    Fans to witness Lionel Messi play in India this October

    By Rajdeep Saha
    Mar 26, 2025
    02:45 pm

    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.

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Lionel Messi
    Argentina Football Team
    Football

    Latest

    Yuzvendra Chahal has dismissed Sanju Samson 5 times in IPL Indian Premier League (IPL)
    Punjab Kings to miss key players against Rajasthan Royals Punjab Kings (PBKS)
    Trump's USAID cuts lead to food wastage for 3.5 million Elon Musk
    Scientists reveal what happens when black holes cross each other Black Hole

    Lionel Messi

    Lionel Messi wins his 44th career title: Key stats Barcelona
    Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Decoding their stats and trophies Cristiano Ronaldo
    Robert Lewandowski gets to 100 European club competition goals: Stats Robert Lewandowski
    Popstar Shakira accused of tax fraud again: Other tax-troubled celebrities Shakira

    Argentina Football Team

    Messi vs Mbappe at FIFA World Cup 2022: Key stats FIFA World Cup
    FIFA World Cup 2022 final, Argentina vs France: Statistical preview FIFA World Cup
    FIFA World Cup 2022, Argentina vs France: Team news FIFA World Cup
    World Cup final (1st half), Argentina 2-0 up against France FIFA World Cup

    Football

    Goalkeeper time-wasting to be penalized under new regulation International Football Association Board
    FA Cup 2024-25 quarter-final draw: All you need to know FA Cup
    FA Cup 2024-25 quarter-final draw: Fulham to face Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
    Arsenal rout PSV 7-1 in Champions League R16 first-leg: Stats Arsenal FC
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025