Messi Excited to Revisit India for Landmark GOAT Tour Celebration

Football icon Lionel Messi confirmed his participation in the GOAT Tour of India 2025, describing it as an "honour" to return to the "passionate football nation" after a 14-year absence. In a statement released Thursday, the Argentine superstar expressed excitement about reconnecting with Indian fans, recalling their fervour during his 2011 visit when he captained Argentina in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The announcement follows the tour’s itinerary unveiling on August 15, promising a blend of football, culture, and entertainment across four cities.

Messi’s tour begins in Kolkata on December 13 at Salt Lake Stadium, hosting the “GOAT Concert” and “GOAT Cup”, where he will share the stage with Indian sports legends like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes. The tour continues to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, concluding with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15. Events include concerts, meet-and-greets, food festivals, football masterclasses, and a padel exhibition at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium, potentially featuring celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni. A 25-foot mural and Messi’s largest statue will be unveiled during Kolkata’s Durga Puja festivities, with tickets starting at Rs 3,500.

Promoter Satadru Dutta, who secured authorisation after meetings with Messi and his father, emphasised integrating Indian and Argentine cultures, including a Kolkata food and tea festival highlighting Messi’s love for Argentine mate with an Assam fusion. Unprecedented security measures involving Messi’s team and local authorities are planned to ensure safety. The tour marks a significant moment for Indian football, capitalising on the sport’s growing popularity in a cricket-dominated nation.

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Speculation surrounds a potential second visit by Messi in November, as the Argentine national team, coached by Lionel Scaloni, is scheduled to play a friendly in Kerala during the FIFA international window of November 10-18. However, a source indicated that Messi’s participation is unlikely, suggesting the team may travel without him. The world champions, fresh off their 2022 World Cup triumph, will also play in Angola during the same window, with opponents and venues still unconfirmed. Messi’s December tour is poised to be one of India’s biggest football events, drawing massive fanfare for the Olympic gold medallist and global legend.

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