Lionel Messi’s eagerly awaited visit to India has been officially confirmed, with the Argentine superstar set to begin his three-city tour in Kolkata on December 12, as announced by event promoter Satadru Dutta on Friday.
As previously reported by PTI, the football-crazy city of Kolkata will be the first stop on Messi’s whirlwind tour, titled ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
The visit will culminate in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on December 15.
This marks the Argentine legend’s first trip to India since 2011 when he visited with his national team to play a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium.
“I received the authorisation and then made it official (on social media). Messi will post any day between August 28 and September 1 with the official poster containing all details and a brief introduction to his tour," Dutta told PTI, confirming his visit.
Earlier this year, Dutta met Messi’s father to present the proposal, and on February 28, Messi himself met with Dutta at his residence for a 45-minute discussion.
“I explained the plan and our objectives. He seemed convinced it was worthwhile and committed to coming," Dutta said.
Messi’s entourage might include Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets among others, although Dutta refused to disclose any names.
During his visit, Messi will conduct masterclasses with children in each city, aiming to inspire the next generation of Indian footballers.
He will arrive in Kolkata on the night of December 12 and spend two days and one night in his longest stop of the tour.
On December 13, his schedule will begin with a meet-and-greet event in the morning, which will include a special food and tea festival.
“He’s a lover of mate (Argentine herbal tea), so I am organising a fusion of Argentine and Indian Assam tea. This will be an extra addition, held alongside the meet-and-greet event on December 13 morning at his hotel (Taj Bengal).
“Bengali fish, including hilsa, and sweet delicacies will be featured at the food festival," Dutta revealed.
The day’s highlight will be the unveiling of Messi’s statue, followed by the ‘GOAT Concert’ and ‘GOAT Cup’ at either Eden Gardens or Salt Lake Stadium.
Another feature of the tour is the unveiling of his mural during the upcoming Durga Puja where fans can “post messages and draw something."
“Not only will he unveil his largest-ever statue, but we will also have a huge mural (dimensions of 25 feet height and 20 feet width) for him. This will be placed at key Durga Puja pandal-hopping locations, allowing all his fans to paint and post messages in a nearby message box. That mural will be presented to Messi when he’s inside the stadium for the GOAT Concert," Dutta explained.
He added that two or three potential mural locations have been shortlisted, pending police clearance.
Salt Lake Stadium is also being considered as a backup venue for the Kolkata concert, initially planned at Eden Gardens.
“We have shortlisted both venues, and the final confirmation will come within 15 days," Dutta said.
The GOAT Cup at Eden Gardens will be a celebratory seven-a-side soft-touch football match, with Messi teaming up with Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, and Bhaichung Bhutia.
Organisers anticipate a sell-out crowd, with ticket prices likely starting at Rs 3,500. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to felicitate Messi during the programme.
Security will be of utmost importance, he said.
“The Kolkata Police Commissioner made it clear that I’m responsible for the arrangements and ensuring there are no security lapses. Messi’s team is also particular about this. It’s not just for him, but for every fan attending. He wants everyone to leave with happy memories and without any incidents," Dutta emphasised.
Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi legs
On the evening of December 13, Messi will travel to Ahmedabad for a private event hosted by the Adani Foundation.
The Mumbai leg on December 14 will feature a meet-and-greet at CCI Brabourne, followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium.
A new addition will be the Mumbai Padel GOAT Cup at CCI Brabourne.
“Messi, being a great fan of the racket sport (typically played in an enclosed arena), will play padel along with celebrities at CCI Brabourne, Mumbai," Dutta said.
Sources indicated that Shah Rukh Khan and Leander Paes are among those expected to participate, with Messi possibly playing for five to ten minutes.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association is also planning a ‘GOAT moment’, pairing Messi with Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma in the GOAT Captain’s moment, along with a Bollywood lineup featuring Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, and Tiger Shroff.
In Delhi on December 15, Messi will meet PM Modi at his residence before attending the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla.
Sources revealed that the Delhi District Cricket Association is also inviting Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, who is a big “Messi fan", a day after playing India’s third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala.
