Argentina's National Football Team to Tour India in October
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Synopsis
The Argentina national football team, led by Lionel Messi, will visit India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match. This initiative aims to expand Argentina's international presence ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification matches.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina's football team to visit India in October 2025.
- Led by Lionel Messi, the initiative focuses on global outreach.
- AFA aims to strengthen its presence in key regions.
- Previous visit of Messi to India was in 2011.
- Collaboration with HSBC India to enhance fan experiences.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) The Argentina national football team, featuring Lionel Messi, is set to visit India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match, as announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Wednesday.
This tour is part of Argentina’s efforts to enhance its global outreach in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifying final matches.
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia celebrated this initiative as a significant achievement in Argentina’s international presence. "A new milestone has been reached for the growth of our team, creating new opportunities in both India and Singapore. We are eager to solidify our presence in various regions as we move into 2025 and 2026," Tapia stated.
The association has been diligently working to strengthen its presence in India since 2021, acknowledging the nation's fervor for football. Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, highlighted that this initiative supports their long-term vision for global expansion.
"This marks a new phase in AFA’s global outreach. Since 2021, we have recognized key opportunities in India and have established robust connections with the local football community. Our aim is to enhance these relationships while showcasing the best of Argentine football to fans," Petersen remarked.
Messi had previously visited India in 2011 when Argentina faced Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier in Kolkata, winning the match 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium.
Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, expressed, "As we collaborate with one of the most esteemed teams in the football world, we anticipate creating memorable experiences for fans and customers, while supporting the Argentine team on their path to World Cup 2026."
