Epic Football Homecoming
New Delhi
Football legend Lionel Messi confirmed his upcoming three-day “GOAT Tour of India 2025,” expressing joy about returning after 14 years. The Argentine superstar will visit Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi from December 13 to 15, with a fourth city expected to be added.
This marks Messi’s first trip to India since 2011, when he led Argentina in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium. Remembering that visit fondly, Messi said, “India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago. The fans were fantastic. I look forward to meeting a new generation of supporters and sharing my love for this beautiful game.”
The tour will feature grand stadium events at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Organisers also announced special highlights, including the unveiling of a statue in Kolkata and the launch of a new charitable initiative. Messi is scheduled to interact with prominent sports and entertainment personalities, as well as political leaders from West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
Before the December tour, Messi will return to India in November when Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad plays an international fixture in Kochi. That game is part of the FIFA international window, with Argentina also scheduled to play matches in Luanda, Angola.
For Indian fans, Messi’s December visit promises to be historic, combining sporting celebrations with cultural connections, strengthening India’s growing bond with the global football community.