Lionel Messi confirms India visit, set to meet PM Narendra Modi in Delhi

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is set to make a much-awaited visit to India this December, kicking off a special four-city tour, starting in Kolkata on December 12. The event, officially confirmed by promoter Satadru Dutta, will also include stops in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and conclude in New Delhi, culminating in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.

This marks Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, when he played a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The upcoming tour, titled ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025,’ promises a blend of football, culture, and fan engagement, aiming to inspire the next generation of Indian footballers.

Messi’s itinerary in Kolkata will be packed with activities,



including a meet-and-greet, a unique food and tea festival showcasing Argentine mate and Assam tea, and an exclusive unveiling of his statue. Fans will also get to participate in creating a large mural dedicated to Messi during the Durga Puja festivities, with opportunities to leave messages and artwork before Messi officially unveils the mural at the stadium.

The ‘GOAT Concert’ and ‘GOAT Cup’ will be held at either Eden Gardens or Salt Lake Stadium, featuring a seven-a-side soft-touch football match. Messi will team up with notable Indian sports and entertainment figures like Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, and Bhaichung Bhutia. Tickets are expected to start from Rs 3,500, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to felicitate Messi at the event.