Lionel Messi's Upcoming Tour in India: A Celebration of Football

Football fans in India are eagerly anticipating Lionel Messi's tour from December 13 to 15, 2025. The legendary player will visit Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi, participating in various events that celebrate his illustrious career. Highlights include a special appearance at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and a football workshop for children in Kolkata. Additionally, Argentina's national team, led by Messi, will play an exhibition match in Kerala later in 2025. This tour promises to be a monumental occasion for football enthusiasts across the nation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 14:03 IST

Exciting Football Events in India Featuring Messi

Football enthusiasts in India are gearing up for a historic event as the iconic Lionel Messi is set to embark on a significant tour across the country. Scheduled from December 13 to 15, 2025, Messi will visit three prominent cities: Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi, engaging in festivities that honor his remarkable football journey and influence on the sport.

On December 14, Messi will make a notable appearance at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for a ticketed event, which has received the green light from the Mumbai Cricket Association. The event, organized by Wizcraft, is expected to feature several prominent Indian cricketers, adding to the excitement of this occasion, which will be another memorable chapter in the history of the Wankhede Stadium, known for hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup final.

Key Events in Kolkata and Delhi

Before heading to Mumbai, Messi's tour will kick off in Kolkata on December 13. At the iconic Eden Gardens, he will be honored in a ceremony attended by West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. During his time in Kolkata, Messi will also conduct a football workshop for children, inaugurate a football clinic, and launch a seven-a-side tournament named the 'GOAT Cup' in his honor. The tour will wrap up in Delhi on December 15, where he is anticipated to meet the Indian Prime Minister and visit a significant sports venue, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or Feroz Shah Kotla Ground. Additionally, both Delhi and Mumbai will host grassroots youth football initiatives.

"Yes, Messi is confirmed to visit the Wankhede Stadium for an event on December 14. The event organizers, Wizcraft, have received permission for this ticketed event, which was discussed and approved by the Mumbai Cricket Association's Apex Council in a recent meeting," a source from the MCA stated, adding, "Several superstar cricketers may also be present at the event."

Argentina's Visit to Kerala

Messi's tour is further enhanced by Argentina's planned visit to Kerala, where the national team, led by Messi, will participate in an exhibition match at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, scheduled for October or November 2025. The Kerala state government will extend full support to the team, treating them as official guests, which is sure to heighten the excitement among Indian football fans.

Messi's first trip to India occurred in September 2011 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela. Currently, at 38 years old, Messi plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer in the United States. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Messi has won an unprecedented eight Ballon d'Or awards, led Argentina to a long-awaited World Cup victory in 2022, and set numerous records, including the most goals for a single club (672 for Barcelona) and the most goals in a calendar year (91), among many others.