Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’: Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai & Delhi on Schedule

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in history, is all set to return to India after 14 years. His last trip was in 2011, when Argentina faced Venezuela in a FIFA friendly at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. This time, Messi’s visit will be even more memorable as he embarks on a three-city ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’, starting from Kolkata on December 12 and concluding in New Delhi on December 15 with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Official Confirmation of Messi’s India Tour

Promoter Satadru Dutta confirmed that Messi’s team has given the final approval. Messi himself is expected to announce the tour between August 28 and September 1 on his official social media, along with the official poster and schedule. The journey will begin in Kolkata, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and finally Delhi.

Meetings and Discussions Leading to the Tour

The idea for Messi’s tour was pitched earlier this year when Dutta met Messi’s father, followed by a direct meeting with Messi on February 28 at his residence. The discussion, which lasted 45 minutes, convinced Messi to be part of this historic event. Although his entourage may include Inter Miami teammates like Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul, Dutta has kept the final names confidential.

Kolkata Leg: Cultural Fusion, Concerts, and Football Fest

Messi will land in Kolkata on the night of December 12 and will spend two days in the city, making it the longest stop of his tour. His schedule includes:

• Meet-and-greet with fans on the morning of December 13.

• A special food and tea festival, combining Argentine mate tea with Indian Assam tea, alongside authentic Bengali delicacies like hilsa fish and sweets.

• The unveiling of Messi’s statue at Eden Gardens or Salt Lake Stadium.

• The GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup seven-a-side exhibition match featuring Messi, Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, Leander Paes, and John Abraham.

In addition, a massive 25x20 ft mural dedicated to Messi will be unveiled during Durga Puja festivities, allowing fans to paint and leave messages. The completed mural will later be gifted to Messi.

Security Arrangements in Kolkata

Organizers are expecting a packed stadium with ticket prices starting from ₹3,500. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also expected to felicitate Messi. Security is a top concern, with Kolkata Police and Messi’s team ensuring that the event runs smoothly and safely for both Messi and the fans.

Ahmedabad Stop: Adani Foundation Event

After the Kolkata festivities, Messi will fly to Ahmedabad on the evening of December 13 for a private event hosted by the Adani Foundation. While details are limited, this closed-door gathering is expected to feature select dignitaries and sports personalities.

Mumbai Leg: Padel Cup and Star-Studded Line-Up

On December 14, Mumbai will host Messi at the CCI Brabourne Stadium for a meet-and-greet, followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium. A highlight of this stop is the Mumbai Padel GOAT Cup, where Messi will participate in a celebrity match featuring Bollywood stars and sporting icons.

Names such as Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, and Tiger Shroff are reportedly on the guest list. Sports legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma may also share the stage with Messi in a special ‘GOAT Captains’ moment.

Delhi Finale: Meeting with PM Modi and Farewell Concert

The tour will conclude in New Delhi on December 15. Messi will first meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence before heading to Feroz Shah Kotla for the final GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup. Sources indicate that Indian cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill—a self-confessed Messi fan—may join the celebrations, just a day after their T20I match against South Africa in Dharamsala.

What the GOAT Tour Means for India

Messi’s visit is expected to be a watershed moment for Indian football fans, blending sports, culture, and entertainment in a way that transcends traditional sporting events. With concerts, celebrity matches, and cultural showcases, the GOAT Tour of India 2025 is being billed as one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the country’s history.