Argentina Legend Lionel Messi Stars as Kalshi Signs Data Deal
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has appeared in a new commercial for Kalshi, following a deal with Argentina’s football association.
The prediction market giant penned the new deal for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently being held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Kalshi is now an official sponsor for Argentina’s soccer governing body.
The partnership bore immediate fruit, with Messi appearing in a Kalshi promotional campaign. The post appeared on Messi’s Instagram account and has now attracted millions of views.
At a Glance:
- Kalshi deal with AFA will last throughout the 2026 World Cup
- Kalshi enjoys one of its highest-profile summer signings
- Deal resembles previous official data agreements with leagues
- Argentina have 11% chance in the prediction markets to win WC
Access to official match data a key deal ingredient
The AFA deal marks another inroad for prediction markets by improving access to official data.
The agreement also kills two birds with one stone. Not only does Kalshi get one of the World Cup stars, but it also gives them access to official AFA data.
Kalshi gets to use Argentina's iconic blue-and-white stripes in its marketing campaign. Plus, Genius Sports – the AFA’s official data partner — will supply Kalshi with accurate information to resolve event contracts.
"Argentina is the standard of excellence in world football. That's exactly who Kalshi belongs alongside,” said Adam Barrick, Head of Sports Partnerships at Kalshi.
“We're building the future of how people engage with live events, and partnering with the reigning champions of the beautiful game is the clearest signal we can send about where we're headed.”
How event contracts work on Kalshi
Prediction markets like Kalshi operate differently from online sportsbooks that use their own data compilers.
Typically, sports contracts are verified by news outlets such as ESPN and Fox Sports. However, Kalshi facilitates dozens of in-game prop markets that need more accurate information. These include player assists, total corners, and other in-game stats.
Plus, prediction market traders act on in-depth analysis. That means the platforms must be ahead of the game when it comes to the most accurate, up-to-the-minute information.
There is more risk in taking out event contracts than in betting against an oddsmaker.
At a prediction market, you set the price. If you get it wrong, you risk losing money by backing the wrong way. The risk-to-reward ratio can be high if you set your share prices too high or don’t sell quickly if you fail to spot the market changing.
Kalshi hits 2 milestones in June
Kalshi recorded two milestones as the World Cup kicked off this month.
On June 12, the company surpassed $100 billion in overall trade volume since opening its virtual doors.
Plus, the prediction market platform recorded daily trading volume of over $1 billion as the World Cup began. That marked the first time such a figure has been reached on Kalshi.
World Cup trading in prediction markets is exploding as the tournament continues.
This month, Polymarket recorded over $2 billion alone on the winner of the World Cup. Kalshi has $382 million (and climbing) in trade volume on its outright winner market.
Millions are traded in event contracts as traders try to predict the Golden Boot winner or the outcome of every match. With so much riding on each outcome, you can find more accurate prices than the odds that a traditional sportsbook offers.
