Good news for Lionel Messi fans in India: Argentina to play exhibition match in Kerala this October
Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will play an exhibition match in Kerala in October 2025, marking Messi's return to India after 14 years.
FollowFootball fans in India are in for a treat as Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team are set to play an exhibition match in Kerala in October 2025. This highly anticipated visit will mark Messi’s return to the country 14 years after his first appearance in India.
The news of Argentina’s visit was first announced by Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman in November last year, confirming that the reigning World Cup champions would play two friendly matches in Kochi.
On Wednesday, HSBC India was unveiled as the official partner of the Argentina national team, further solidifying the plan. The financial institution will collaborate with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to promote football in India and facilitate the team’s visit.
“Under this partnership, the Argentina national football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit India for an international exhibition match in October 2025,” a release from HSBC India stated.
“The Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC have today announced the signing of a new one-year partnership for India and Singapore, covering the competitive season in 2025 ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification final matches.”
Messi first visited India in September 2011 to play a World Cup qualifying round match against Venezuela in Kolkata. Argentina won that match 1-0 at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, expressed his excitement over the partnership. “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.”
AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia also shared his enthusiasm. “A new milestone has been achieved for the international expansion of AFA, opening new opportunities with HSBC both in India and in Singapore.
“This agreement looks after our team and we look forward to consolidate our agreement and extend in multiple regions as we progress in 2025 and 2026. We welcome HSBC as the new partner of the Argentina National Team.”
With the official confirmation of the match in Kerala, Indian football fans eagerly await the arrival of Messi and his teammates, adding another exciting chapter to Argentina’s global outreach and their journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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