Lionel Messi has confirmed his participation in the GOAT Tour of India 2025, which will cover four cities from December 13-15. The football legend will visit Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, concluding with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his return to India after 14 years.
"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. 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," Messi stated officially.
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The tour itinerary was initially unveiled on August 15, with Messi's confirmation coming on Thursday.
The tour will begin in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, featuring the "GOAT Concert" and "GOAT Cup," where Messi will share the field with Indian sports icons Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Kolkata's festivities will include a 25-foot-high mural during Durga Puja and the unveiling of Messi's largest statue. Event tickets will start from Rs 3,500.
The city will also host a food and tea festival highlighting Messi's fondness for Argentine tea, featuring a special Assam fusion.
In Mumbai, Messi will participate in the "Padel GOAT Cup" at Brabourne Stadium, potentially alongside celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and other Bollywood stars.
The tour was secured by promoter Satadru Dutta after meetings with Messi and his father, promising a blend of Indian and Argentine culture.
Extensive security arrangements are being planned, involving both Messi's team and local authorities.
In a separate development, the Argentina national team has included India in its November FIFA international window schedule.
The world champions, coached by Lionel Scaloni, are scheduled to play a friendly in Kerala between November 10-18, though opponents and venue remain unconfirmed.
"The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025," stated the AFA .
"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)," the statement added.
This will be Messi's first visit to India since 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium.
The tour will include concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, football masterclasses, and a padel exhibition, making it one of India's biggest football-related events.
The Olympic gold medallist and 2022 World Cup-winning captain continues to draw massive global attention, with the December tour expected to generate unprecedented interest across India.
"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. 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," Messi stated officially.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
The tour itinerary was initially unveiled on August 15, with Messi's confirmation coming on Thursday.
The tour will begin in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, featuring the "GOAT Concert" and "GOAT Cup," where Messi will share the field with Indian sports icons Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Kolkata's festivities will include a 25-foot-high mural during Durga Puja and the unveiling of Messi's largest statue. Event tickets will start from Rs 3,500.
The city will also host a food and tea festival highlighting Messi's fondness for Argentine tea, featuring a special Assam fusion.
In Mumbai, Messi will participate in the "Padel GOAT Cup" at Brabourne Stadium, potentially alongside celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and other Bollywood stars.
The tour was secured by promoter Satadru Dutta after meetings with Messi and his father, promising a blend of Indian and Argentine culture.
Extensive security arrangements are being planned, involving both Messi's team and local authorities.
In a separate development, the Argentina national team has included India in its November FIFA international window schedule.
The world champions, coached by Lionel Scaloni, are scheduled to play a friendly in Kerala between November 10-18, though opponents and venue remain unconfirmed.
"The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025," stated the AFA .
"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)," the statement added.
This will be Messi's first visit to India since 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium.
The tour will include concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, football masterclasses, and a padel exhibition, making it one of India's biggest football-related events.
The Olympic gold medallist and 2022 World Cup-winning captain continues to draw massive global attention, with the December tour expected to generate unprecedented interest across India.
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