- NEW DELHI — The Argentina national football team, led by Lionel Messi, will
visit India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match, the
Argentine Football Association (AFA) made the announcement on Wednesday.
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- This visit comes as part of Argentina’s global outreach
efforts ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification final matches.
Also read: Argentina seal FIFA WC 2026 spot after Bolivia's draw with Uruguay
- AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia hailed the initiative
as a milestone in Argentina’s international growth. "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 said.
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- The association has been actively working on building its
presence in India since 2021, recognizing the country’s passion for football.
Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, emphasized that
the initiative aligns with their long-term strategy of expanding into key
regions globally.
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- "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 stated.
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- Messi previously visited India in 2011 when Argentina
played a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela in Kolkata. Argentina won that
match 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium.
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- Sandeep Batra, Head International Wealth and Premier
Banking HSBC India, said, "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."
