Football superstar Lionel Messi officially confirmed on Thursday, October 2, 2025, his involvement in the highly anticipated ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’. He described it as an “honour” to return to a nation brimming with football passion, a place he last visited 14 years ago.
“It’s truly an honour for me to embark on this journey,” Messi shared in an official statement. “India is a remarkably special country, and I hold wonderful memories from my previous visit almost a decade and a half ago — the fans were absolutely incredible.”
He added, “India truly is a passionate football nation. I am eager to connect with a new generation of fans and share my profound love for this beautiful sport.”
While the tour itinerary was initially revealed on August 15, Messi’s statement today marks the first direct confirmation from the football legend himself.
Messi’s whirlwind four-city tour is scheduled to kick off in Kolkata on December 13, followed by stops in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour culminates with a significant meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.
Throughout his visit, the Argentine icon will lead a variety of events, including concerts, exclusive meet-and-greet sessions, vibrant food festivals, engaging football masterclasses, and even a unique padel exhibition at Mumbai’s historic Brabourne Stadium.
In Kolkata, Messi’s event is confirmed to take place at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. The stadium will host him for the second time, featuring a ‘GOAT Concert’ and ‘GOAT Cup,’ where Messi is expected to share the pitch with esteemed Indian sporting figures like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Organizers are also planning a grand 25-foot-high mural, which will be unveiled during the Durga Puja celebrations, alongside the inauguration of Messi’s largest-ever statue. Ticket prices for these events are projected to start from ₹3,500.
This marks Messi’s first return to India since 2011, when he famously captained Argentina in a FIFA friendly match against Venezuela at the very same Salt Lake Stadium.
Promoter Satadru Dutta, who secured the tour’s authorization earlier this year following discussions with Messi and his father, has pledged a spectacular fusion of Indian and Argentine culture.
A dedicated food and tea festival in Kolkata will celebrate Messi’s known fondness for Argentine tea, featuring a special Assam tea fusion.
In Mumbai, Messi’s schedule also includes the “Padel GOAT Cup,” where he will join a star-studded celebrity lineup potentially featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and other prominent Bollywood personalities.
Security for the tour is expected to be exceptionally stringent, with close cooperation between Messi’s personal team and local authorities.
Beyond Messi’s personal tour, the Argentina national football team has also slated India for a FIFA international friendly window in November.
The World Cup-winning team, coached by Lionel Scaloni, is expected to play a friendly in Kerala between November 10-18. However, the exact opponents and venue for this match are yet to be finalized.
If both visits proceed as planned, it could mean Messi making two trips to India within a span of two months. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether the 38-year-old forward will participate in the Kerala friendly match.
A state source commented, “I would be surprised if the legendary footballer visits twice in such a short period. It’s more probable that the Argentina team, without Messi, might travel to Kerala for the friendly.”
The November friendly is part of a three-game window for Argentina, with the other two matches scheduled in Angola.
The AFA’s statement confirmed: “The Argentine national team, under Lionel Scaloni, will participate in two FIFA friendly windows during the remainder of 2025. The first, from October 6th to 14th, will be held in the United States, with opponents and cities to be confirmed. The second, from November 10th to 18th, will see matches played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India, with opponents also to be determined.”
Messi, an Olympic gold medalist and the triumphant captain of the 2022 World Cup, continues to command immense adoration globally. His December tour is anticipated to be one of India’s most significant football-related events ever.