Ant International has signed a partnership with the Argentine Football Association, becoming an official sponsor of the Argentina national football team for the Asia region, excluding the Middle East.
Announced in Buenos Aires and Singapore, the partnership gives Ant International marketing rights to leverage the Argentine national team’s branding and players across its fintech platforms.
Expanding Fintech Visibility Through Football
Through the collaboration, Ant International will launch marketing activations across its brand portfolio, including Alipay+, Antom, Bettr, and WorldFirst.
The fintech company provides cross-border payment, treasury, and digitalization solutions powered by artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. Its network connects more than 150 million merchants with around 1.8 billion consumer accounts across the Asia-Pacific region through over 300 payment methods.
According to Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International, the partnership reflects the shared global reach of both organizations.
“Sports and tech are two critical bonds for communities and markets that break barriers and connect people. Together, we will bring a more enriched football experience and broader community impact through our Asia fintech and digital services network,” Yang said.
A Strategic Move for AFA in Asia
For the Argentine football federation, the collaboration supports its continued push to strengthen its presence in Asian markets.
Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association, said football serves as a universal language capable of connecting audiences worldwide.
“Through this partnership, we are excited to bring that connection to an even wider audience in Asia,” Tapia said.
Meanwhile, Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of the AFA, described the deal as a strategic alliance between two global leaders aiming to expand both sports and fintech influence in the region.
Backing the Reigning World Champions
The Argentine national team remains one of the most successful sides in football history. The squad has won the FIFA World Cup three times, in 1978, 1986, and most recently in 2022. It cements its reputation as one of the sport’s global powerhouses.
Known as the “Albiceleste,” the team continues to draw worldwide attention through its legacy of iconic players and international success. Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, will head to United States to defend the title. They have boasted stars such as Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, and Lionel Messi.
Bridging Sports and Technology
The partnership reflects a broader trend where global sports teams collaborate with technology and financial service companies to reach new markets and audiences.
By combining football’s massive global fanbase with Ant International’s digital payments ecosystem, the agreement aims to strengthen brand engagement across Asia while promoting financial technology solutions to new users.
