Argentina Football Icon Lionel Messi is set to embark on his highly anticipated GOAT Tour of India from December 13 to 15, 2025, marking his first visit since captaining a friendly against Venezuela in Kolkata back in 2011. The three-day extravaganza, organised by promoter Satadru Dutta, will span four cities—Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi—blending football exhibitions, celebrity interactions, masterclasses, charity events, and musical performances. Messi will be joined in Mumbai by long-time strike partner Luis Suarez and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, adding star power to the leg featuring a philanthropic fashion show and memorabilia auction. This multi-city celebration aims to inspire young talents, promote football development, and unite fans in a cultural tribute to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The tour kicks off in Kolkata on December 13 with Messi's early morning arrival, followed by a meet-and-greet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the virtual inauguration of his statue, and arrival at Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) around 11:15 a.m. High-profile guests including Shah Rukh Khan, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Sourav Ganguly will join for a friendly match, felicitation, and interactions from noon to 12:30 p.m., before Messi departs for Hyderabad at 2:00 p.m. That evening in Hyderabad, a 7v7 exhibition match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium starting at 7:00 p.m. will feature Messi alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, complemented by a musical concert.
On December 14 in Mumbai, activities begin at 3:30 p.m. with the Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India, followed by a celebrity football match at 4:00 p.m. and an event at Wankhede Stadium from 5:00 p.m., including the charity fashion show where Messi, Suarez, and De Paul will walk the ramp. The tour concludes in New Delhi on December 15 with a reported meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by a 1:30 p.m. event at Arun Jaitley Stadium honouring Minerva Academy players and youth initiatives.
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Tickets for public events are available exclusively on the District app (district.in), with prices starting around Rs 4,500 in most cities—Kolkata from Rs 3,500 to 4,500, Hyderabad the most affordable, and Mumbai premium tiers from Rs 8,250 up to higher VIP categories for closer access or meet-and-greets.
This jam-packed itinerary reflects collaborations with corporate partners and state governments, emphasising football's growth in India through masterclasses, youth scouting, and charitable causes like World Cup memorabilia auctions. As excitement builds for Messi's return, the GOAT Tour promises unforgettable moments, bridging global football stardom with India's passionate fanbase and aspiring talents across diverse venues.
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