Lionel Messi's Upcoming India Tour With Argentina A 'Defining Moment' For Indian Football

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 14:59 IST

Lionel Messi and Argentina visit India for friendlies and the GOAT Tour 2025, offering fans a rare opportunity to see the World Champions live.

Argentina/Inter Miami star Lionel Messi (AFP)

Star Argentine footballer Lionel Messi’s upcoming visit to India promises to be nothing short of a spectacle. Argentina are preparing to visit Kerala this November for a special international friendly, in the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, which is expected to be global superstar Messi’s last World Cup appearance

Messi will also feature in the GOAT Tour 2025, scheduled from December 13 to 15. The three-day extravaganza will feature exhibition matches, concerts and fan events across Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, giving Indian fans a long-awaited chance to witness Messi in person.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association, reigning FIFA World Cup champions, has appointed Druid Sport as its exclusive commercial representative for the Indian subcontinent.

Under this landmark agreement, Druid will manage and market regional sponsorship rights for Argentina’s national teams, offering businesses direct access to one of football’s most iconic sides and its legendary players.

In a conversation with News18 Sports, Druid Sport CEO Diarmuid Crowley spoke about partnering with Argentina, his thoughts on Indian football culture and what the Argentina team’s visit could mean for fans and brands alike.

Partnering with the World Champions is a significant move. How easy a decision was it to align yourself with them?

Argentina are the World Champions, a side with unmatched heritage, global recognition and a deep emotional connection with fans everywhere. Working with a property that carries such credibility and global reach was an easy decision for us as an international sports marketing agency.

Can you share how this exciting partnership with Argentina came to fruition?

It came together quite naturally. We had been in talks with the AFA about their international ambitions and India stood out as a clear next step. From there, it was about aligning our visions and showing how we could help them expand their footprint while creating long-term value.

What are your thoughts on the current state of football culture in India and its potential as a market?

Football in India is growing rapidly. There is a young, connected audience that follows the global game with passion and consistency. The potential is enormous, but for it to be sustainable, growth must come from the ground up, through continued investment in youth and grassroots football.

If you had to describe Indian football fandom in one word, what would it be and why?

Enthusiastic. The energy around football in India is genuine and growing. That enthusiasm, if nurtured properly, can turn into something very powerful for the sport’s future here.

From a brand perspective, what does this visit mean for the Argentina national football team?

It is a golden opportunity for brands to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic markets and a deeply passionate fanbase, through a team that represents passion, heritage and excellence.

Once the Argentina team’s visit concludes, how do you plan to sustain the momentum and interest it generates?

We already have a local team in place to engage with regional brands interested in partnering with the AFA. The goal is to identify partners who understand the strategic value of this platform and use it to elevate their brands while building meaningful, long-term connections in the market.

If you had to sum up the significance of Argentina’s visit to India in one sentence, what would it be?

It will be a defining moment for Indian football fans, a rare opportunity to see the World Champions live and experience the emotion that only football at this level can create.

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