Indian football fans can eagerly anticipate the return of Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team in an exhibition match scheduled for October 2025 in Kerala. This event marks a significant moment, as it comes 14 years after Messi first visited the country.

Last November, the Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced that Argentina would be visiting the southern state to play two friendly matches in Kochi. This announcement has generated excitement among local fans who hope to see one of the world’s greatest footballers on their home turf.

On Wednesday, HSBC India officially announced its partnership with the Argentine team to promote football in the country and confirmed the timing for the exhibition match. A press release from HSBC India stated, “Under this partnership, the Argentina national football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit India for an international exhibition match in October 2025.”

Furthermore, the partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and HSBC includes a one-year agreement focused on India and Singapore, targeting the competitive season of 2025 as preparation for the final qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup. This collaboration aims to enhance the visibility and growth of football in the region and provide fans with exciting experiences.

Lionel Messi’s first visit to India was in September 2011, when he played in a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela in Kolkata. Argentina secured a 1-0 victory at Salt Lake Stadium during that match, which remains a memorable moment for Indian football enthusiasts.

Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, commented on the partnership: “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, while supporting the Argentine team in their journey towards the 2026 World Cup.”

Claudio Fabian Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association, also expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting its potential for expansion and new opportunities in India and Singapore. He stated, “We welcome HSBC as the new partner of the Argentina National Team.”

Shreyas Iyer drew high praise from former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra following his explosive 97* off just 42 balls in Punjab Kings’ thrilling 11-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Chopra hailed Iyer’s clean and calculated hitting, especially against spin, calling him the best Indian batter in the middle overs.

Speaking after the match, Chopra emphasized Iyer’s ability to take down spinners without stepping out, making him unpredictable and difficult to bowl to. “It was just the clean, crisp hitting—especially against spin,” said Chopra. “I believe he is the best Indian batter in the middle overs when it comes to taking down spinners.”

Chopra also pointed out a key technical tweak in Iyer’s batting stance that has improved his overall game. He observed that Iyer has slightly opened up his stance, allowing better control over short balls and expanding his shot range. “Traditionally, batting is side-on, but Shreyas has adjusted such that his back leg is slightly open. His bat is now positioned just outside the off-stump, which helps him access new areas and handle the short ball more effectively,” Chopra explained.

Iyer’s brilliance was complemented by Shashank Singh, who smashed 44 off just 16 balls, as the duo piled on 77 runs in the final four overs. Their aggressive finish powered PBKS to 243/5, which proved just enough to hold off Gujarat Titans at 232/5.

Chopra concluded that Iyer’s balance and adaptability are elevating his game, making him a vital asset in the middle order.

The Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a home clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday. While both franchises aim to bounce back from inconsistent past performances, this fixture marks the beginning of a new chapter for Punjab Kings under newly appointed skipper Shreyas Iyer.

After years of underwhelming outings, Punjab have revamped their core for the new season. Iyer, fresh off a successful Champions Trophy run with India, brings leadership experience to a team that will rely heavily on him alongside Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell for a stable top and middle order. With all-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Shahank Singh, Musheer Khan, and Stoinis in the mix, Punjab are aiming for a balanced performance across departments.

For Gujarat Titans, the 2025 season is a chance to reset after a disappointing 2024 campaign, where they finished eighth— a steep fall from their title-winning debut in 2022 and runners-up finish in 2023 under Hardik Pandya. Current skipper Shubman Gill, now India’s ODI vice-captain, is looking to steer GT back into playoff contention. Alongside him, Jos Buttler will seek to recover form and offer stability at the top of the order.

GT’s middle order features the likes of Sherfane Rutherford, Sai Sudharsan, and Masood Shahrukh Khan. Their all-round depth remains one of their strong suits, with Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and Mahipal Lomror all capable of making game-changing contributions.

With both sides boasting a mix of proven international stars and dynamic youngsters, the match promises to be a high-stakes encounter as the IPL 2025 season gathers momentum.