New Delhi, March 26, 2025 – Football fans in India are in for a historic treat as Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team are set to visit India after 14 years. In a major development, Argentina will play an international exhibition match in Kochi, Kerala, in October 2025, marking Messi’s return to Indian soil for the first time since 2011.
Argentina to Play Friendly Match in Kochi
The match is part of a strategic partnership between HSBC India and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to promote football in India. HSBC confirmed that as part of this partnership, the reigning world champions will tour India and engage in international football activity to boost the sport’s reach in the country.
“The Argentina national team, including iconic player Lionel Messi, will travel to India in October 2025 and play an international exhibition match,” HSBC India announced in an official statement.
AFA President Calls it a Milestone Move
Claudio Fabián Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association, hailed the agreement as a milestone in expanding Argentina’s global football footprint, particularly in Asia. He emphasized that this initiative will help strengthen Argentina’s presence in India and Singapore, and will also act as part of the team’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Messi’s Last Visit to India Was in 2011
Lionel Messi previously played in India during a friendly match against Venezuela in September 2011 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina won 1–0. The match attracted a capacity crowd and remains one of the most memorable moments in Indian football history.
His return after over a decade is expected to reignite passion among Indian football fans and inspire a new generation of players.
A Historic Moment for Indian Football
Messi’s return will not only be a celebration for fans but a massive opportunity for Indian football to gain international visibility. The event is likely to feature full-house attendance, live global broadcasts, and a cultural celebration of the sport.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
