Global fintech company Ant International has announced a landmark partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), becoming an Official Sponsor of the Argentine National Football Team across Asia, excluding the Middle East.
The collaboration brings together one of the world’s leading financial technology providers and one of football’s most celebrated national teams, creating new opportunities to connect sports, technology, and digital financial services throughout the region.
Bridging Sports and Digital Innovation
Through the agreement, Ant International gains comprehensive marketing rights to activate campaigns across its portfolio of brands, including Alipay+, Antom, Bettr, and WorldFirst. The partnership will leverage the global appeal of the Argentine National Team and its players to strengthen engagement with consumers and businesses throughout Asia.
The sponsorship also reflects Ant International’s broader efforts to expand digital financial ecosystems and cross-border payment solutions in the region.
This partnership builds on KASIKORNBANK (KBank)’s existing collaboration with Ant International’s global payment services. Through Alipay+, Ant International’s digital wallet gateway, KBank’s mobile banking application KPLUS is connected to an ecosystem of more than 150 million merchants and over 2 billion consumer accounts worldwide. KPLUS is also increasingly being adopted as a payment option on Google Pay for Thai merchants through its integration with Antom, Ant International’s merchant payment platform.
“Sports and tech are two critical bonds that connect people and communities,” said Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International. “Together, we will bring more extensive and enriched football experiences and community impact through our Asia fintech and digital services network.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Widely known as the “Albiceleste,” the Argentine National Team is one of football’s most successful and iconic squads, having won the FIFA World Cup in 1978, 1986, and 2022. Its legacy continues to inspire millions of fans around the globe.
“Football is the ultimate universal language,” said Claudio Fabián Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association. “Through this partnership, we are excited to bring that connection to an even wider audience in Asia.”
Expanding AFA’s Presence in Asia
According to Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, the partnership represents a long-term strategic alliance aimed at strengthening the organization’s footprint in Asia while creating new opportunities at the intersection of sports, technology, and financial innovation.
By combining the prestige of world-class football with advanced fintech solutions, the collaboration underscores a shared vision of connecting communities, enhancing fan experiences, and driving innovation across borders.
