Lionel Messi in India: Everything you need to know about his December ‘GOAT Tour’
Arguably the greatest ever football player, Lionel Messi, is set to visit India this December as part of the much-anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025. The Argentine legend last visited the country in 2011, when he captained Argentina against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The tour will also feature stars Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, turning it into one of the biggest sporting events ever held in India.
After the cancellation of the Kochi leg, Hyderabad has been added to the itinerary. The updated schedule now covers all 4 corners of the country – Kolkata (East), Hyderabad (South), Mumbai (West) and New Delhi (North), ensuring fans across India get a chance to witness Messi in person.
Lionel Messi confirmed his India visit in an official statement, expressing excitement about returning after 14 years.
“It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic. India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game,” Messi said.
The four-city GOAT Tour will begin in Kolkata on December 13, followed by Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, where the tour concludes on December 15.
In Kolkata, Messi will once again take centre stage at the Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina beat Venezuela 1-0 in 2011. The venue will also host a concert and exhibition match featuring Indian sports legends Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia and Leander Paes.
The Argentine legend, who won the 48th trophy of his career earlier in December with Inter Miami, will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricket legends, several Bollywood celebrities and multiple chief ministers during his visit.
In Mumbai, Lionel Messi will headline the Padel GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium, joined by celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and many top Bollywood stars.
Ticket sales have recorded an extraordinary response. According to ticketing partner District, all 28,000 seats at Wankhede Stadium (priced from ₹6,980) have sold out. Kolkata’s 68,000-capacity stadium is nearing full occupancy, with tickets starting at ₹4,366, while New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, which holds 28,000 fans is almost sold out, with prices beginning at ₹7,670.
Revised Itinerary: GOAT India Tour 2025
December 12–13 (Kolkata):
- Arrival and meet-and-greet (9:30–10:40 a.m.)
- GOAT Cup at Salt Lake Stadium (11:30 a.m.–1:10 p.m.)
- Statue unveiling at Sreebhumi, Salt Lake Town
- Departure for Hyderabad (2:15 p.m.)
December 13 (Hyderabad):
- Meet-and-greet (5 p.m.)
- GOAT Cup (7–8:45 p.m.) at Rajiv Gandhi or Gachibowli Stadium (final venue to be confirmed)
December 14 (Mumbai):
- Meet-and-greet (12 noon)
- Padel GOAT Cup inauguration and match at Wankhede Stadium (5:30 p.m.)
December 15 (New Delhi):
- Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- GOAT Cup at Arun Jaitley Stadium (2:15 p.m.)
Messi’s visit is expected to be a landmark moment for Indian football, reigniting the sport’s fanbase and introducing the next generation to one of the greatest players of all time.