Football legend Lionel Messi has officially confirmed his much-anticipated return to India as part of the GOAT Tour 2025, marking a comeback after a 14-year hiatus. The Argentine maestro expressed heartfelt excitement and fond memories of his last visit, promising an unforgettable series of events from December 13 to 15 across four major Indian cities — Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Key Highlights Of Messi’s India Return
The GOAT Tour starts on December 13 in Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium, the very venue where Messi last played in 2011 during Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela.
The tour includes multi-dimensional events such as concerts, football masterclasses, food festivals, meet-and-greet sessions, and even a Padel exhibition match at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.
Messi will share the stage and field with Indian sporting legends like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes, blending football with India’s rich sports heritage.
The Mumbai leg features the “Padel GOAT Cup” with a star-studded potential lineup including Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni.
The tour’s grand finale in New Delhi will see Messi meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15, underscoring the visit’s cultural and diplomatic significance.
Why This Tour Matters
Messi’s return transcends sport—it celebrates India’s passionate football culture and builds bridges between Argentina and India through sports and entertainment. Organisers promise a unique fusion of Argentine and Indian culture, including a special Assam-Argentine tea festival in Kolkata. The tour also features the unveiling of Messi’s biggest-ever statue and a 25-foot-high mural during Durga Puja celebrations, symbolising his global influence.
What Fans Can Expect
Tickets for the GOAT Tour events are expected to start at ₹3,500, offering fans an opportunity to witness history in the making. The security arrangements are stringent, reflecting the tour's magnitude. The event line-up promises something for every fan, from sports enthusiasts to music lovers and cultural aficionados.
Looking Ahead
Apart from the December tour, India might also see the Argentina national team playing a friendly in Kerala in November, potentially marking Messi’s second visit within two months—although his participation in the Kerala match is not yet confirmed.
Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour of India 2025 is poised to be one of the most celebrated sporting events in recent Indian history, igniting excitement among millions and strengthening India’s global sports footprint.
Source: Olympics.com, NDTV Sports, Moneycontrol, Hindustan Times, Times of India
