Lionel Messi is set to make a long-awaited return to India this December as part of the highly anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, marking his first visit to the country in 14 years. The football icon confirmed his participation, sparking excitement among fans who will get the rare chance to see the Argentine legend up close across four cities.
Taking to Instagram, Messi shared a message stating,
“I’m truly excited to be visiting such a beautiful country as India this December. It will also be an honour to be able to interact and meet with India’s biggest stars and top dignitaries.”
## GOAT Tour Details
The GOAT Tour promises to be a grand celebration, bringing together sport, music, culture, fan experiences, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, and even a unique padel showcase.
According to a report by India Today, Messi will kick off the tour in Kolkata on December 13 at the Salt Lake Stadium — the very ground where he last played in India back in 2011. There, he is expected to headline the “GOAT Concert” and the “GOAT Cup,” sharing the field with Indian sports stalwarts like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Adding to the festivities, a 25-foot mural of Messi will be unveiled during Kolkata’s famous Durga Puja celebrations. Organizers also plan to reveal what they describe as the biggest statue ever built in his honour.
The Mumbai leg of the tour will feature the “Padel GOAT Cup,” potentially showcasing a star-studded line-up including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, among other celebrities.
To ensure the smooth execution of all events, Messi’s personal security team will work closely with local authorities throughout the tour.
Tickets for the GOAT Tour are expected to start at Rs 3,500.
## Will Messi Visit Kerala in November?
Ahead of the GOAT Tour, speculation is rife about whether Messi will make an earlier visit to India in November for Argentina’s international friendly match.
The Argentina national football team has included India in its schedule for the November FIFA international window. The Lionel Scaloni-coached world champions are set to play a friendly match between November 10 and 18, though the opponents and venue have yet to be finalized.
If this visit goes ahead, it could mean Messi making two trips to India within just two months. However, it remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old forward will feature in the Kerala match.
Fans across the country are eagerly awaiting confirmation and hoping for an unforgettable opportunity to witness one of football’s greatest players in action once again.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/lionel-messis-goat-tour-2025-argentina-skipper-confirms-india-visit-set-to-meet-ms-dhoni-sourav-ganguly-sachin-tendulkar
