Lionel Messi Set to Return to India for Exciting GOAT Tour in 2025!
Messi's Anticipated Return to India
Kolkata: Lionel Messi has officially announced his participation in the highly awaited GOAT Tour of India scheduled for 2025, expressing his excitement to revisit the 'passionate football nation' where he last played 14 years ago.
In his statement, Messi shared, 'It is a great honor for me to make this trip. India holds a special place in my heart, and I cherish the memories from my previous visit — the fans were incredible.'
He further added, 'India is a nation that loves football, and I am eager to connect with a new generation of fans while sharing my passion for this beautiful sport.'
The tour itinerary was revealed on August 15, and Messi's confirmation marks a significant milestone for the event.
Kicking off his four-city tour in Kolkata on December 13, Messi will also visit Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, concluding with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.
Throughout the tour, the Argentine football legend will participate in concerts, meet-and-greet events, food festivals, football masterclasses, and a padel exhibition at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
In Kolkata, Messi's event is set to take place at Salt Lake Stadium, where he will return for the second time during the 'GOAT Concert' and 'GOAT Cup' on December 13, sharing the stage with Indian sports icons like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Organizers are also planning to unveil a 25-foot mural during the Durga Puja celebrations, alongside the inauguration of Messi's largest statue to date. Ticket prices for the events are expected to start at Rs 3,500.
This visit will mark Messi's first trip to India since 2011, when he led Argentina in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the same stadium.
Promoter Satadru Dutta, who secured the necessary permissions after discussions with Messi and his father earlier this year, has promised a spectacular event that will blend Indian and Argentine cultures.
A food and tea festival in Kolkata will showcase Messi's love for Argentine tea, featuring a unique Assam fusion.
In Mumbai, Messi will also participate in the 'Padel GOAT Cup' alongside a star-studded lineup that may include Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and other Bollywood celebrities.
Security measures are expected to be extensive, involving both Messi's team and local authorities.
Could Messi Visit Kerala in November?
As Messi gears up for his December events, the Argentina national football team has included India in its schedule for a friendly match during the November FIFA international window.
Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, the world champions are set to play a friendly in Kerala between November 10-18, although the opponent and venue are yet to be confirmed.
If this match occurs, it could mean Messi visiting India twice within two months. However, it remains uncertain whether the 38-year-old will participate in the Kerala match.
'I would be surprised if the legendary player comes twice in a month. However, it is likely that the Argentina team, minus Messi, may play in Kerala,' a source from the state commented.
The November friendly will be part of three matches scheduled during the window, with the other two taking place in Angola.
'The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows remaining in 2025,' stated the AFA.
'The first will occur in October from the 6th to the 14th in the United States (opponents and cities to be determined). The second, from the 10th to the 18th of November, will be held in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (opponents to be determined),' it added.
Messi, an Olympic gold medalist and captain of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, continues to draw immense global attention, and his December tour is anticipated to be one of the largest football-related events ever held in India.