Lionel Messi India Tour Begins Today: Full Details of Kolkata Visit

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.

Kolkata Turns Blue and White as Messi Returns After 14 Years

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 Welcomes Messi as GOAT Tour Begins

Opening Stop of a Three-City India Tour

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 Kolkata Schedule: Full Itinerary for Day 1

A Landmark Day for Indian Football

Messi’s opening day in India is tightly scheduled, with multiple high-profile engagements planned throughout the day.

Arrival in Kolkata

• 1.30 am: Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata, officially kicking off the India tour.

VIP Engagements and Monument Inauguration

• 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.

Stadium Programme at Salt Lake Stadium

• 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

Fan Interaction and Felicitation

• 12.00 pm – 12.30 pm:

  • Friendly match segment

  • Felicitation ceremony

  • Fan interaction

Departure

• 2.00 pm: Messi departs Kolkata for Hyderabad

Ticket Packages and Premium Fan Experiences

Strong Demand Despite Premium Pricing

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.

Ticket Categories Explained

General Entry

• Standard stadium access

• Seating in general stands

• Designed for fans seeking an affordable way to witness Messi live

Premium

• Better seating with improved sightlines

• Priority entry at select gates

VIP

• Prime seating areas

• Dedicated entry lanes

• Hospitality benefits including premium food and beverage services

• Lounge access at select venues

VVIP / Fan Experience Packages

• 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.

How to Book Tickets for Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

With massive demand expected across all cities, fans are advised to follow the official ticketing process carefully.

Step 1

Visit the official ticketing platform via the District mobile app or website.

Step 2

Search for “Messi GOAT Tour India 2025” and select Kolkata as the city.

Step 3

Choose the event and preferred seating category from the seating layout.

Step 4

Sign in using a mobile number or email ID, or complete quick registration.

Step 5

Proceed to payment using UPI, debit card, credit card or net banking after reviewing charges.

Step 6

Receive the QR-code-based e-ticket via email and SMS, and save it for venue entry.