Ant International Becomes Official Sponsor of the Argentine National Football Team in Asia
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has partnered with Ant International, designating the Singapore-based fintech company as an Official Sponsor of the Argentine National Football Team for the Asia region, excluding the Middle East. The sponsorship, announced on Monday, March 16, 2026, grants Ant International comprehensive marketing rights to leverage the team’s brand and players across its portfolio, including Alipay+, Antom, Bettr, and WorldFirst [Business Wire].
Strategic Partnership for Fintech Expansion
This collaboration unites the reigning FIFA World Cup Champions with a leading global provider of digital payment and fintech solutions. Ant International aims to utilize the AFA’s intellectual property and the visibility of its world-class players to launch strategic marketing activations throughout Asia [FX News Group]. The agreement allows Ant International to market its digital payment brands to audiences across the region.
A Growing Trend of Fintech Sponsorships in Football
The partnership with Ant International adds to a growing list of financial technology firms investing in sponsorships with the AFA. ATFX signed a regional sponsorship deal in January 2026, and XBO.com became a global sponsor in February 2025 [Finance Magnates]. This reflects a deliberate commercial strategy by the AFA to increase its presence in key markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, reportedly generating over $80 million annually from sponsorships [Finance Magnates].
Statements from Key Leaders
“We are incredibly proud to support the Argentine national team, a beacon of excellence, teamwork, and global inspiration,” said Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International. “Sports and tech are two critical bonds for communities and markets that break barriers and connect people. Together we will bring more extensive and enriched football experience and community impact through our Asia fintech and digital services network.” [FX News Group]
Claudio Fabian Tapia, President of AFA, emphasized the universal appeal of football, stating, “Football is the ultimate universal language. It serves as a powerful bridge that transcends borders and connects the entire world. Through this partnership, we are excited to bring that connection to an even wider audience in Asia.” [FX News Group]
Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA, added, “This partnership is a commitment to long-term success and a strategic union of two global leaders. By joining forces, we aim to deepen our presence in Asia and achieve new heights in both sports and fin-tech.” [Business Wire]
About Ant International
Ant International is a global leader in digital payment, digitization, and financial technology, providing solutions for merchants and financial institutions. The company operates with over 30 offices worldwide and connects 150 million+ merchants to 1.8 billion consumer accounts in the Asia Pacific region, integrating over 300 payment methods [Business Wire].