Football superstar Lionel Messi has officially confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025. He called it an ‘honour’ to revisit the ‘passionate football nation’ where he last played 14 years ago.
Messi reflected on his 2011 visit to India, saying, “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 — the fans were fantastic. I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
The itinerary, unveiled on August 15, will see Messi begin his four-city tour in Kolkata on December 13. The Messi India tour will continue with stops in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. It will conclude with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.
Messi GOAT tour and concerts
In Kolkata, Messi will headline events at Salt Lake Stadium, including the ‘GOAT Concert’ and ‘GOAT Cup’. He is expected to share the field with Indian sports icons Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes. Organisers have announced plans for a 25-foot-high mural during Durga Puja, along with the inauguration of Messi’s largest-ever statue. Messi India tour ticket prices for the events are expected to start at ₹3,500.
During the Messi India tour, the football legend will also participate in concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, football masterclasses, and a special Padel exhibition at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. A Kolkata food and tea festival will showcase Messi’s fondness for Argentine tea with a unique Assam fusion twist.
Promoter Satadru Dutta, who secured authorisation earlier this year after discussions with Messi and his father, promised a cultural spectacle. The event will blend Indian and Argentine elements. Security arrangements are expected to be unprecedented. Messi’s team is working closely with local authorities to ensure a smooth experience for fans.
Messi in Kerala?
Meanwhile, the Argentina national football team, led by Lionel Scaloni, has included India in its November FIFA international window. The Argentina team will play a friendly in Kerala between November 10–18, though officials have not yet confirmed the venue or opponent.
If Messi joins the November fixture, it could mean two trips to India within two months. However, sources indicate it is more likely the Argentina team will travel without Messi for the Kerala friendly. The November match will be part of a three-game schedule, with the other two games set in Angola.
Messi, the Olympic gold medalist and 2022 World Cup-winning captain, continues to generate unprecedented global fanfare. His December tour, featuring stops in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, is expected to be one of the largest football-related events ever staged in India. Fans are eagerly awaiting the Messi India Tour Kolkata, Messi India Tour Delhi, and the potential Kerala match. This promises a historic celebration of football and culture.
