Global football legend Lionel Messi officially announced his participation in the highly anticipated GOAT Tour of India in 2025. He shared his excitement, calling it an “honor” to return to the “passionate football nation” where he last graced the fields 14 years ago.
“It’s a tremendous honor for me to embark on this journey,” Messi stated. “India holds a special place in my memories from my visit 14 years ago—the fans were absolutely incredible. India truly is a passionate football nation, and I’m eager to connect with a new generation of supporters, sharing my profound love for this beautiful sport.”
Lionel Messi in action during a FIFA international friendly between Argentina and Venezuela at the Yuva Bharati Kriangan in Kolkata on September 02, 2011. | Photo Credit: The Hindu
This tour follows earlier reports confirming the initial stop in Kolkata.
The organizers had previously unveiled the itinerary on August 15, and Messi’s statement on Thursday (October 2, 2025) marked the first direct confirmation from the football icon himself regarding his upcoming visit.
Messi’s whirlwind four-city itinerary kicks off in Kolkata on December 13, followed by visits to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour will culminate with a special meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.
Fans can look forward to a diverse range of events during the tour, including electrifying concerts, exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities, vibrant food festivals, engaging football masterclasses, and even a unique padel exhibition at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium, all headlined by the Argentine superstar.
Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium will once again welcome the legend on December 13. The venue is set to host the “GOAT Concert” and “GOAT Cup,” where Messi is anticipated to share the pitch with esteemed Indian sporting figures like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes. Adding to the excitement, organizers are planning to unveil a colossal 25-foot-high mural during the Durga Puja celebrations, alongside the inauguration of Messi’s largest-ever statue. Tickets for these historic events are projected to begin at ₹3,500.
This marks Messi’s return to India since his last visit in 2011, when he captained Argentina in a FIFA friendly match held at the very same Salt Lake Stadium.
Satadru Dutta, the tour’s promoter who secured authorization after engaging with Messi and his father earlier this year, has vowed a spectacular fusion of Indian and Argentine cultures. A special food and tea festival in Kolkata will celebrate Messi’s known appreciation for Argentine tea, featuring a unique Assam fusion.
Mumbai will also witness Messi at the “Padel GOAT Cup,” where he’s expected to join a star-studded lineup potentially featuring prominent personalities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and other Bollywood celebrities.
Given the magnitude of the events, security measures are anticipated to be exceptionally stringent, with close coordination between Messi’s team and local authorities.
Fans continue to celebrate Messi’s enduring brilliance on the field.
Could Messi Visit Kerala in November?
While Messi gears up for his December engagements, there’s also buzz around the Argentina national football team’s potential visit to India in November. The Lionel Scaloni-led world champions have reportedly slated a friendly match in Kerala between November 10-18. However, details regarding their opponents and the specific venue are yet to be confirmed.
Should this visit materialize, it could mean two trips to India for Messi within a span of two months. It’s currently uncertain whether the 38-year-old forward would participate in the Kerala fixture.
“I would be surprised if the legendary footballer makes two visits in such a short period. It’s more probable that the Argentine team, possibly without Messi, might play in Kerala,” a local source commented.
The November friendly would be one of three matches during that international window, with the other two scheduled for Angola. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) previously stated, “The Argentine national team, under Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025. The first, in October, from the 6th to the 14th, will be played in the United States (opponents and cities to be determined). The second, from the 10th to the 18th of November, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (opponents to be determined).”
As an Olympic gold medalist and captain of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, Messi continues to command immense global admiration. His December tour is poised to be one of the most significant football events ever hosted in India, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.