In an exciting development for football fans in India and Singapore, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC have announced a new one-year partnership covering the 2025 competitive season ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification final matches. This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding AFA’s presence in the region and brings unique opportunities for fans and HSBC customers alike.

Argentina National Team to Play in India

A key highlight of this partnership is the Argentina national football team’s visit to India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match. This much-anticipated event will allow Indian football fans to witness their favorite Argentine players, including the legendary Lionel Messi, live in action.

HSBC, one of the world’s leading banking institutions, has become the first bank to partner with the Argentina National Football Team in India and Singapore. The agreement grants HSBC exclusive branding and activation rights across both countries, reinforcing its commitment to engaging with sports and its passionate global fan base.

Exclusive Perks for HSBC Customers

Through this partnership, HSBC customers and partners will enjoy special privileges, including access to Argentina’s matches, curated fan experiences, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with football champions. Additionally, HSBC will launch a brand campaign featuring the Argentine players as ambassadors, bridging the world of banking and sport in an unprecedented manner.

The Argentina National Team has a strong following in India and Singapore, where football enthusiasts have long admired the skill, passion, and legacy of the team. This partnership will provide fans in the region with memorable experiences, further cementing Argentina’s global appeal.

Statements from Key Leaders

Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“HSBC is proud to announce our groundbreaking partnership with the Argentina Football Association in India and Singapore. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to opening a world of opportunities and celebrating excellence. 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. Together, we share a vision of passion, performance, and professionalism, and this partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in sports and banking synergy.”

AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia echoed these sentiments:

“We are delighted to have HSBC, the unique banking institution of India, as a new partner for the Argentine Football Association in India. 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 consolidating our agreement and extending in multiple regions as we progress in 2025 and 2026. We welcome HSBC as the new partner of the Argentina National Team.”

Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, highlighted the significance of the partnership for the organization’s global outreach:

“This new partnership with HSBC is a new step into the global expansion of the AFA brand. Since 2021, AFA has opened commercial offices in India, identifying key opportunities and generating a close identification with the Indian community. The opening of new markets in India and the Americas is part of the strategic vision of AFA executives since 2018. Our mission is to keep delivering value to our sponsors and consolidate global key regions for the years to come. We are pleased that HSBC has chosen the Argentina Champions as brand image and ambassadors during this exciting period for 2025. AFA and HSBC will be creating unique marketing campaigns, increasing the synergy and power of our brands in the Indian market. With great enthusiasm, we trust the partnership with HSBC will be a great success.”

Strategic Expansion of AFA

The collaboration is part of AFA’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint, particularly in India and Singapore. Recognizing the immense popularity of football in these regions, AFA has been actively seeking opportunities to engage with the Indian football community and develop stronger commercial ties in Asia.

Since 2018, AFA has focused on increasing its presence in key global markets. With India emerging as an important destination for international football, this partnership with HSBC aligns with AFA’s long-term vision of reaching new audiences and strengthening its commercial and fan engagement strategies.

HSBC’s Commitment to Sports and Banking Synergy

For HSBC, this partnership represents more than just a sponsorship; it is a unique opportunity to blend sports with banking and provide its customers with unparalleled experiences. By associating with the Argentina National Team, HSBC aims to deepen its connection with football fans and reinforce its brand presence in India and Singapore.

HSBC has been actively involved in various sporting events across the globe. This new partnership with AFA further solidifies its position as a brand that values excellence, dedication, and passion—qualities that align perfectly with the spirit of football.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Argentina’s journey to the tournament is bound to captivate fans worldwide. This partnership between AFA and HSBC is expected to create exciting opportunities for football enthusiasts in India and Singapore, giving them a front-row seat to witness one of the most successful football teams in history.

As AFA continues to make strides in international markets, this collaboration will serve as a model for future partnerships between football organizations and global brands. The upcoming exhibition match in India will be a historic event, further strengthening the ties between the Argentina National Team and its passionate fan base in the region.

In conclusion, the AFA-HSBC partnership is a groundbreaking alliance that blends the worlds of football and banking, offering exclusive benefits to fans and customers while enhancing the global appeal of Argentina’s football legacy. Football lovers in India and Singapore can look forward to an unforgettable year of thrilling action, unique experiences, and a deeper connection with the world champions as they prepare for their World Cup campaign in 2026.

Author: Ronak Rehal