The Argentina and Barcelona legend and 2022 FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi’s much-awaited ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’ officially begins today in Kolkata, sparking unprecedented excitement among football fans across the country.
Messi’s arrival marks one of the most significant football-related events ever hosted in India, drawing attention not just from Indian supporters but also from fans travelling from abroad. Returning to the City of Joy after nearly 14 years, the global icon’s visit has transformed Kolkata into the centre of worldwide football focus.
From exclusive fan interactions and cultural showcases to stadium-based programmes and premium experiences, the Kolkata leg sets the tone for a three-day celebration that blends sport, spectacle and fandom.
With the city draped in Argentina’s iconic blue and white colours, excitement has reached fever pitch as thousands of fans converge from different parts of India and overseas to catch a glimpse of the footballing great.
Messi last appeared in Kolkata in 2011, when Argentina defeated Venezuela 1–0 in an international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). Once again, the iconic venue will be the focal point of celebrations, with a near-capacity crowd expected for the headline event.
Kolkata is the first destination on Messi’s three-city India tour, which will later move to Hyderabad and Delhi. The Argentine superstar is accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, adding further star power to the visit.
The itinerary includes:
Exclusive meet-and-greet sessions
Ceremonial appearances
Cultural showcases
A short on-field presence at Salt Lake Stadium
For fans in West Bengal, the visit carries special emotional significance due to Messi’s long-standing connection with Kolkata and its football-loving culture.
Messi’s opening day in India is tightly scheduled, with multiple high-profile engagements planned throughout the day.
1.30 am: Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata, officially kicking off the India tour.
9.30 am – 10.30 am: Exclusive VIP meet-and-greet at a closed venue
10.30 am – 11.15 am: Virtual inauguration of the 70-foot ‘Monumento de Messi’ statue at Lake Town
The statue depicts the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner holding the FIFA World Cup trophy he lifted in Qatar in 2022 and has already become a major attraction even before its formal unveiling.
11.15 am – 11.25 am: Messi arrives at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan
11.30 am: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan joins the event
12.00 pm: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former India captain Sourav Ganguly arrive at the venue
12.00 pm – 12.30 pm:
Friendly match segment
Felicitation ceremony
Fan interaction
2.00 pm: Messi departs Kolkata for Hyderabad
Despite high ticket prices, demand for the Kolkata leg has remained exceptionally strong, underlining Lionel Messi’s unmatched popularity in India. Tickets are available across multiple categories, catering to different fan preferences.
Standard stadium access
Seating in general stands
Designed for fans seeking an affordable way to witness Messi live
Better seating with improved sightlines
Priority entry at select gates
Prime seating areas
Dedicated entry lanes
Hospitality benefits including premium food and beverage services
Lounge access at select venues
Includes the widely discussed ₹10 lakh package
Limited number of fans get the opportunity to:
Meet Messi up close
Shake hands
Pose for a group photograph
Also includes top-tier seating and exclusive hospitality access
These packages are being marketed as once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Indian football fans.
With massive demand expected across all cities, fans are advised to follow the official ticketing process carefully.
Visit the official ticketing platform via the District mobile app or website.
Search for “Messi GOAT Tour India 2025” and select Kolkata as the city.
Choose the event and preferred seating category from the seating layout.
Sign in using a mobile number or email ID, or complete quick registration.
Proceed to payment using UPI, debit card, credit card or net banking after reviewing charges.
Receive the QR-code-based e-ticket via email and SMS, and save it for venue entry.