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 that brings together sport, music, culture, fan experiences, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, and even a unique padel showcase.
According to an India Today report, Messi will visit Kolkata on December 13 at the Salt Lake Stadium — the very ground where he last played 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 celebrations, a 25-foot mural of Messi will be unveiled during the city’s Durga Puja festivities, along with what organisers are calling the biggest statue ever built in his honour.
The Mumbai leg of the tour will feature the “Padel GOAT Cup,” potentially starring a star-studded line-up including Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and other Bollywood celebrities.
To ensure smooth execution of all events, Messi’s personal security team will work closely with local authorities.
Tickets for the GOAT Tour are expected to start at Rs 3,500.
### Will Messi Visit Kerala in November?
Even before the GOAT Tour, there is speculation about whether Messi will visit Kerala for Argentina’s international friendly match.
The Argentina national football team has included India in its schedule for the FIFA international window in November. The Lionel Scaloni-coached world champions are set to play a friendly match between November 10-18, though the opponents and venue have yet to be finalized.
If that visit goes ahead, it could mean Messi making two trips to India within two months. However, it remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old forward will feature in the potential Kerala match.
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Fans across India eagerly await what promises to be a memorable series of events celebrating one of football’s greatest legends. Stay tuned for more updates on the GOAT Tour and Messi’s India visit.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/lionel-messis-goat-tour-2025-argentina-skipper-confirms-india-visit-set-to-meet-ms-dhoni-sourav-ganguly-sachin-tendulkar
