The match, which will take place at 8.30pm this Wednesday at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, is being hailed as Malaysia’s biggest sporting event of 2025, uniting players from across Asean to face one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.

Aguero said the opportunity means more than just playing in a high-profile exhibition. It’s a personal milestone in his career and a proud moment of national representation, he added.

“It’s an incredible honour to be selected for such a historic match. Playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world, alongside some of the region’s best players, is truly a dream come true.

“What makes it even more special is the chance to represent Malaysia at this stage. Carrying the flag in front of our home fans means everything to me,” he was quoted as saying.

Other Malaysian players who made the team are Azam Azmi from Terengganu FC, Adib Abdul Raop (Penang FC), Haziq Nadzli (Perak FC) and Declan Lambert (KL City FC).

Tickets for the Maybank Challenge Cup are selling fast, with several categories already sold out.

Fans are urged to secure their seats now at www.myticketempire.com/manumy.