Lionel Messi exhibition football match. Argentina National Football Team to Play Exhibition Match in Singapore in 2026

Football fans in Singapore are in for a treat as the Argentina national football team, led by legendary forward and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, is set to visit Singapore in the first quarter of 2026 for a highly anticipated Lionel Messi exhibition football match.

In addition to their Singapore visit, Argentina will also play an exhibition match in India in October 2025. These matches are part of a newly announced one-year strategic partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC.

According to HSBC, this collaboration marks the first time a major banking institution has partnered with the Argentine national team for promotional activities in Singapore and India. The partnership grants HSBC branding and activation rights in both countries, aiming to connect football fans with exclusive opportunities.

“Through this agreement, HSBC customers and partners will enjoy exclusive perks such as priority match tickets, VIP fan experiences, and meet-and-greet sessions with Argentina’s star players,” the bank stated.

AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia expressed his enthusiasm, saying:

“We are thrilled to have HSBC, one of Asia’s leading banks, as our sponsor in India and Singapore. This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding Argentina’s football presence in Asia.”

While HSBC has not yet confirmed who Argentina will face in Singapore, excitement continues to grow among fans awaiting more details.

This won’t be Messi’s first trip to Singapore. In 2017, he was scheduled to play in a friendly match but left shortly after arriving to prepare for his wedding, leaving fans disappointed. Match organizers at the time declined to offer refunds.

More recently, in 2024, Messi faced backlash after sitting out a friendly match in Hong Kong with Inter Miami, citing an adductor muscle issue. Some fans, who paid up to HK$5,000 (US$640) for tickets, demanded refunds.

Despite past controversies, Messi’s confirmed participation in the upcoming Argentina vs TBD match in Singapore 2026 is expected to draw massive attention and ticket demand. Football enthusiasts are advised to stay tuned for ticket release dates, match venue details, and exclusive fan engagement opportunities.