Lionel Messi Celebrates New Year and Reflects on His Memorable India Tour

Lionel Messi, the iconic footballer, celebrated the New Year by sharing warm wishes with his fans and reflecting on his recent 'GOAT Tour' in India. This tour marked his first visit to the country in over a decade, where he met several prominent figures and engaged with passionate fans. Additionally, Messi's impressive performance with Inter Miami, including winning the MLS Cup, showcases his enduring talent at 38. As he looks forward to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, fans are eager to see what the future holds for this football legend.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 23:52 IST

New Year Wishes from Messi

Lionel Messi, the celebrated football star and FIFA World Cup champion, shared heartfelt New Year greetings with his followers on Thursday. He posted a family photo on Instagram, captioning it, "HAPPY 2026!! Wishing everyone a year filled with health, love, and peace."

Messi's 'GOAT Tour' in India

In December 2025, Messi wrapped up the year with his much-anticipated 'GOAT Tour' across India, spanning from December 13 to 15. This marked his first visit to the country since 2011, with stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The Kolkata event at Salt Lake Stadium faced some disruptions, but the other locations were filled with memorable moments. During the tour, Messi interacted with notable figures including Rahul Gandhi, Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, football star Sunil Chhetri, ICC chairman Jay Shah, and Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, all in front of enthusiastic football fans.

Outstanding Season with Inter Miami

At 38, Messi achieved remarkable success with Inter Miami, clinching the MLS Cup in early December. He had a stellar season, netting 29 goals and providing 19 assists across 28 matches. Although he didn't score in the MLS Cup final, his playmaking skills were crucial in leading his team to a 3-1 victory against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Looking Ahead

Given Messi's current fitness and performance levels, there is strong optimism regarding his participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup next year.