Prediction market platform Kalshi has strengthened its presence in global sport by announcing a new partnership with Lionel Messi and the Argentina Football Association (AFA) during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The collaboration was unveiled as Messi shared a promotional post on social media featuring Argentina teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás Otamendi.
Kalshi also confirmed it would serve as an official sponsor of the AFA throughout the tournament.
Under the agreement, Kalshi will use official AFA branding across marketing campaigns, while the partnership also includes co-branded activations and social media content.
In addition, AFA's official data and streaming partner, Genius Sports, will provide official match data to support the creation and settlement of Kalshi's sports prediction market contracts.
Messi's appointment adds another globally recognised athlete to Kalshi's growing list of ambassadors and partners. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the company earlier this year, while MMA star Nate Diaz became an athlete endorser last month.
Other sports figures, including NHL player Connor McDavid, former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch and WNBA star Breanna Stewart, have also been linked to the company as investors or commercial partners.
Additionally, Kalshi teamed up with actor Timothée Chalamet last week.
The operator has also faced legal headwinds, however, and is currently seeking to reverse a block imposed by Brazilian authorities, who ruled that its products fell outside the country's regulated betting framework.
Kalshi has recently expanded its sports partnerships through agreements with both Genius Sports and Sportradar to support official data, integrity monitoring and prediction market operations
