Football icon Lionel Messi has officially confirmed his participation in the GOAT Tour of India 2025, marking his return to the country after 14 years with visits scheduled across four cities in December.
Lionel Messi to visit India in December
The Argentine superstar’s announcement follows the tour organizers’ August 15 itinerary release. “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 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi stated officially.
“India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game,” he added.
Tour Schedule for Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi will launch the tour in Kolkata on December 13, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, concluding with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15. His last India visit was in 2011, when he captained Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The tour includes concerts, football masterclasses, meet-and-greets, food festivals, and a padel exhibition at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. In Kolkata, Messi will headline the “GOAT Concert” and “GOAT Cup” on December 13 at Salt Lake Stadium, potentially sharing the field with Indian sports legends Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Organizers plan to unveil a 25-foot mural and what they describe as Messi’s largest statue during Durga Puja celebrations. Tickets start at ₹3,500, according to PTI.
The “Padel GOAT Cup” in Mumbai may feature Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Bollywood celebrities. Security arrangements involve Messi’s personal team and local authorities.
Potential Kerala Friendly
Argentina’s national team is scheduled for a November FIFA window friendly in Kerala (November 10-18), though opponents and venue remain unconfirmed. A senior Kerala sports official noted uncertainty about Messi’s participation: “I will be surprised if the legendary footballer comes twice in a month. However, it is most likely that the Argentina team minus Messi may come to play in Kerala.”
The Argentine Football Association lists India in its official schedule, with additional FIFA windows planned for October (United States) and November (Angola and India).
