Argentina's Global Tour Brings Messi and Co. to India After 14 Years

TDT | Manama

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Football fans in India are in for a treat this October, as the Argentina national football team, led by football legend Lionel Messi, is set to visit the country for an international exhibition match. The superstar last played in India 14 years ago, and this upcoming visit is expected to be a major highlight for Indian football fans.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the World Cup champions will be in India as part of their global outreach ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification final matches. The initiative aims to strengthen Argentina's presence in key regions, including India and Singapore.

Claudio Fabian Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming visit. "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 stated.

Since 2021, AFA has been working on establishing a stronger connection with the Indian football community, recognising the nation's passion for the sport. Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, highlighted that the visit aligns with their long-term strategy for global expansion. "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 remarked.

Messi’s last visit to India was in 2011 when Argentina played a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela in Kolkata, securing a 1-0 victory at Salt Lake Stadium.

Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, shared his excitement about the collaboration. "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," Batra said.

The much-anticipated match marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to bring world-class football experiences to Indian fans, paving the way for a deeper connection between Argentina and the Indian football community.