Football superstar Lionel Messi has officially confirmed his visit to India in December 2025, sending waves of excitement through the nation's football fans. The Argentine legend is scheduled to participate in the highly anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, marking his return to the country after a 14-year gap.
Messi's confirmation comes weeks after the tour itinerary was revealed, intensifying the anticipation among fans. He expressed his enthusiasm for the trip, acknowledging India as a "very special country" and recalling the fantastic fans from his previous visit. "It is such an honour for me to make this trip," Messi stated. "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".
The GOAT Tour of India 2025 will span four cities, offering a blend of sports, music, culture, and fan engagement. Messi is expected to kick off the tour in Kolkata on December 13, followed by visits to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, concluding with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.
In Kolkata, Messi will headline the "GOAT Concert" and the "GOAT Cup" at Salt Lake Stadium, the same venue where he played in 2011. He is also expected to share the field with Indian sporting icons such as Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes. Plans are underway to unveil a 25-foot-high mural of Messi and inaugurate what is being billed as his biggest-ever statue as part of the city's Durga Puja celebrations. In addition to the matches, Messi will conduct football masterclasses, participate in meet-and-greet sessions, and partake in a padel exhibition in Mumbai.
This will be Messi's first visit to India since 2011 when he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela in Kolkata. His confirmed December tour is poised to be one of the biggest football-related events ever organized in India, providing fans with a rare opportunity to celebrate the iconic player in person.
Tickets for the events are expected to start at Rs 3,500.
