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The tour comes as part of the South American nation’s global outreach efforts in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the Albiceleste will defend.
Lionel Messi and the World Cup Winning Argentina Team. (X)
World Champions Argentina are set to travel to India for an international exhibition football game in October 2025, the AFA announced on Wednesday. The tour comes as part of the South American nation’s global outreach efforts in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the Albiceleste will defend.
Argentine skipper and record eight-time Balon D’Or winner Lionel Messi, who has a massive fan base in the Indian sub-continent, is expected to lead the three-time World Cup winners on their travel to India. The genius from Rosario last featured in a game on Indian soil in the year 2011 as Argentina played Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
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AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia opined that the side’s planned trip to India was a landmark in the side’s international growth and expansion map.
“A new milestone has been achieved for the expansion of our team, opening new opportunities in both India and Singapore,” Tapia said.
“We look forward to consolidating our presence in multiple regions as we progress in 2025 and 2026,” he added.
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AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Leandro Petersen, iterated that the initiative aligns with their long-term global expansion strategy into key growth markets.
“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.
“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,” Sandeep Batra, Head International Wealth and Premier Banking HSBC India, said.
