Sports

Lionel Messi, Argentina national football team to visit India for exhibition match in October 2025

insidetrack India4 days ago

503 1 minute read

The Argentina national football team, including star forward Lionel Messi, will visit India for an international exhibition match in October 2025. While the city that Messi and Argentina will play in later this year remain to be confirmed, this will mark the second time that Messi will be visiting India after the Argentine legend travelled to India in 2011 to play for the national team against Venezuela in a friendly game at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Earlier in the year, Kerala Sports Miner V Abdurahiman had revealed that the Kerala Government had an agreement with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to host two games involving La Albiceleste in Kerala in 2025.
The latest announcement from HSBC comes on a day when defending champions Argentina secured a spot at the FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted next year USA, Canada and Mexico.
Story continues below this ad

Argentina had secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 even before their 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in the South American qualifying on Tuesday. This was thanks to Bolivia’s failure to beat Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying game which meant Argentina now have enough cushion in South American qualifying to secure one of the continent’s six direct spots for the 48-team World Cup. Remarkably, Argentina defeated Brazil without even needing Messi on the pitch as Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Aller and Giuliano Simeone scored for the world champions on the night.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has opted not to field 37-year-old Messi in several games for the national team. This had led to murmurs about Messi’s ability to play at the World Cup next year. As the Associated Press reported, Messi has an injury to his adductor which is why he was not included in Argentina’s squad for the two latest matches.

insidetrack India4 days ago

503 1 minute read

insidetrack India

Dads club in Brixton tackles toxic masculinity March 29, 2025
The club provides a space male carers to connect and spend time with their children.
Hammersmith Bridge demolition among new proposals March 29, 2025
The idea was among six put forward to resolve the structure's poor state of repair.
Police give doorbell cameras to catch tree vandal March 29, 2025
Resident Mark Westcott told the council people were being "held hostage" by the tree wrecker.
Getting a fresh start in the gardens at Kew March 29, 2025
A man who was homeless rediscovered his love of gardening through volunteering at Kew Gardens.
TfL proposes new east London Superloop bus route March 29, 2025
TfL launches a consultation about a potential new route linking Rainham and Gants Hill.

Myanmar earthquake released energy of 334 atomic bombs: US geologist March 30, 2025
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, releasing energy equivalent to over 300 atomic bombs and causing more than 1,600 deaths. Aftershocks may persist due to ongoing tectonic activity. Communication blackouts and civil strife hinder damage assessment. India has extended humanitarian aid through 'Operation Brahma', while nearby Thailand also reported fatalities.
TOI WORLD DESK
No difference of opinion between BJP, RSS: Sangh on PM Modi's Nagpur visit March 30, 2025
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said there is "no difference in opinion" with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. RSS member Seshadri Chari described the visit as very important and historic. PM Modi also paid tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur on Sunday.
TOI NEWS DESK
African swine fever kills over 500 pigs in Mizoram; all you need to know March 30, 2025
An outbreak of African Swine Fever in Mizoram has resulted in the deaths of 503 pigs since March 20. The disease, highly contagious and deadly for pigs, was first detected in Lawngtlai district. Authorities are working to contain the spread and mitigate further losses.
TOI NEWS DESK
'I couldn't care less': Why Trump wants auto prices hike March 30, 2025
TOI WORLD DESK
'Multiple fights' at Pentagon City mall in US, shutdown ordered - Video March 30, 2025
Multiple fights broke out at the Fashion Centre in Pentagon City mall, Arlington, on Saturday, resulting in minor injuries to a police officer, a mall security guard, and one of the three arrested juveniles. The mall was closed early, and police continue to investigate the disturbances.
TOI WORLD DESK
Texas high school student brutally attacked while adults stood by- Video March 30, 2025
A Texas junior high student was violently beaten by another pupil while adults failed to intervene quickly. The assault at Harwood Junior High in Bedford was cheered by peers and left the victim unconscious. A full investigation by the school and local authorities is ongoing.
TOI WORLD DESK
Trump weighs Waltz’s fate after Signal chat scandal: 'Should I fire him?' March 30, 2025
US President Donald Trump is contemplating firing national security advisor Mike Waltz after a Yemen war plan leak through a Signal group chat involving a journalist. Trump remains supportive of Waltz publicly, but concerns about his connections and media coverage heighten internal discussions.
TOI WORLD DESK
Syria’s transitional government takes office marking shift after Assad’s removal March 30, 2025
Syria's new government was sworn in, marking a major step since Bashar al-Assad's removal. The 23-member cabinet, without a prime minister, includes diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. Economic troubles and security concerns remain significant challenges. An agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces was also signed to merge them into the Syrian army.
TOI WORLD DESK
'F**k off!': Pandya, Kishore have a heated staredown - watch March 30, 2025
In a heated IPL clash, Hardik Pandya and R Sai Kishore had a brief confrontation during Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians' match. Pandya, who performed well with the ball, failed with the bat, contributing to Mumbai's second loss. Post-match, tempers cooled as the players hugged, putting an end to their on-field spat.
TOI SPORTS DESK
Hamas releases new video of Israeli hostage shouting and begging for release March 30, 2025
Hamas' armed wing released a video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, pleading with Prime Minister Netanyahu for his release after being held in Gaza for 540 days. Bohbot, captured during the October 2023 attack, questioned why the government hadn't secured the release of all hostages despite the ongoing conflict and bombing.
TOI WORLD DESK