Football legend Lionel Messi has officially confirmed his India visit this December as part of the highly anticipated GOAT Tour 2025. In a statement released on Thursday, Messi expressed his excitement and honour at revisiting India, a country where he last played 14 years ago and left lasting memories with fans.
“It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi said. He added, “India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
GOAT Tour 2025: Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi
The Lionel Messi India visit will span four major cities, beginning in Kolkata on December 13, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and concluding in New Delhi on December 15. The tour will include concerts, football exhibitions, and special appearances, making it one of the most significant football related events ever held in India.
Kolkata Events: Statue Unveiling, GOAT Concert & Football Match
In Kolkata, the Salt Lake Stadium will host the opening day of the tour, where Messi will be part of a series of events including the unveiling of his statue. The city will also witness the ‘GOAT Concert’ and the ‘GOAT Cup,’ a seven a side soft-touch football match featuring Messi alongside Indian sports icons such as Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Olympic tennis medalist Leander Paes, as well as Bollywood actor John Abraham. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to felicitate Messi during the Kolkata events. Tickets for the events in Kolkata are expected to start at Rs 3,500.
Mumbai & Delhi: Star Studded Appearances
Following the Kolkata events, Messi will fly to Ahmedabad on the evening of December 13, where he will attend a private event with select sponsors. On December 14, the football superstar will be in Mumbai to headline the Padel GOAT Cup. The Mumbai event is expected to feature a star studded lineup, with appearances by Bollywood celebrities and cricket legends including Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni.
The tour will conclude in New Delhi on December 15 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium with another GOAT Concert. Reports suggest that during his Delhi visit, Lionel Messi may also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further underscoring the significance of his India visit.
Messi’s Previous India Visit in 2011
This December tour is not Messi’s first time in India. He previously visited in 2011 for a FIFA international friendly against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which also marked his debut as Argentina’s team captain. His return after 14 years is expected to rekindle the excitement among Indian football fans, both young and old.
Possible November Friendly in Kerala
In addition to the December tour, there are reports that the Argentina national football team, coached by Lionel Scaloni, may play a friendly match in Kerala between November 10-18 as part of a FIFA international window. While it remains uncertain if Messi will participate in the Kerala match, it could potentially bring him to India twice within two months. The Argentina team will also play friendlies in Angola during this period.
Lionel Messi, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winning captain and Olympic gold medalist, continues to command global attention. The Lionel Messi India visit is expected to be one of the most remarkable sporting events in India this year, combining football, celebrity appearances, and fan interaction in a unique celebration of the sport.
With cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi hosting this exclusive tour, Messi’s visit promises unforgettable experiences for fans and further cements India’s growing importance in the global football map.
(With Olympics & PTI Inputs Report and Lionel Messi’s Instagram Story)
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