The football fever in India is reaching its peak as legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi is set to arrive for what is being called the GOAT India Tour 2025. Considered by many as the greatest footballer of all time, Messi will embark on a three-day, four-city mega tour from December 13 to 15, marking his first visit to India since 2011.

Messi’s India tour will cover Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with each city hosting exclusive events, celebrity interactions, cultural showcases, and football-themed celebrations. The tour will conclude in New Delhi, where Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Adding to the excitement, Messi’s close friends and teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul will join him for select events, especially during the Mumbai leg of the tour.

🔥 Messi Begins His India Tour in Kolkata

Messi will land in Kolkata at 1:30 am on December 13, a city known for its passionate football culture. His Kolkata itinerary includes:

• A morning meet-and-greet session
• The virtual inauguration of Messi’s statue, a historical moment for Indian football
• Visits to key venues and interactions with major Indian personalities

Messi will also meet Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee before flying to Hyderabad.

📅 Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025 — Full Schedule

December 13 – Kolkata

1:30 am: Arrival in Kolkata
9:30 am – 10:30 am: Meet-and-greet program
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Virtual inauguration of Messi’s statue
11:15 am – 11:25 am: Arrival at Yuva Bharati Krirangan
11:30 am: Shah Rukh Khan arrives at the venue
12:00 pm: CM Mamata Banerjee & Sourav Ganguly join the event
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Friendly football match, interaction & felicitation
2:00 pm: Departure to Hyderabad

Hyderabad Events

7:00 pm:

• 7v7 Match at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium featuring Messi
• Participation by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
• A musical concert celebrating Messi’s India tour

December 14 – Mumbai

3:30 pm: Participation in Padel Cup at Cricket Club of India
4:00 pm: Celebrity football match
5:00 pm: Grand event at Wankhede Stadium

• Followed by a charity fashion show
• Luis Suárez & Rodrigo De Paul expected to join the celebrations

December 15 – New Delhi

• Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  1:30 pm: Event at Arun Jaitley Stadium
• Special felicitation ceremony for Minerva Academy players
• Closing event for the GOAT India Tour

⭐ Additional Insights & Context (Expanded Section)

Why This Tour Is Historic

• This is Messi’s first trip to India in 14 years, his last visit being for the Argentina vs Venezuela international friendly in 2011.
• India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing football markets, and Messi’s presence boosts the sport’s cultural impact.
• The tour aligns with India’s broader efforts to bring global sporting icons to engage with youth and promote football development.

Economic & Cultural Impact

• Cities like Kolkata and Mumbai are expecting a tourism spike.
• Major brands have lined up collaborations featuring Messi.
• Football academies across India have launched campaigns timed with the tour.

Fans’ Expectations

Millions of fans are eagerly waiting to witness:

• Messi interacting with Indian celebrities
• Exhibition matches
• Live concerts and charity events
• His meeting with PM Modi, which is expected to be a headline moment