Argentina football team to visit India in October

New Delhi

The Argentina national football team, led by star player Lionel Messi, is set to visit India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match. This announcement was made by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Wednesday.

The visit is part of Argentina’s ongoing efforts to engage globally ahead of the final qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup. AFA President, Claudio Fabian Tapia, called the event a milestone for the team’s international growth. "This is a significant step towards expanding our presence, not only in India but also in Singapore. We aim to strengthen our ties with various regions as we progress towards 2026,” Tapia said.

Since 2021, the AFA has been actively working to build a stronger presence in India, recognizing the country’s passion for football. Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, highlighted that this visit is part of their long-term strategy to expand into key global markets. "We have been forging strong connections with the local football community and aim to bring the best of Argentine football to Indian fans," Petersen stated.

Messi previously visited India in 2011 for a World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela in Kolkata, where Argentina won 1-0. HSBC India’s Sandeep Batra expressed excitement about the upcoming visit, stating that the collaboration would provide unforgettable experiences for fans and customers alike as they support Argentina on their road to the 2026 World Cup.