It’s official — Lionel Messi is heading to India this December. And no, this isn’t just a rumour floating around football fan pages. The GOAT himself is confirmed to visit four major Indian cities as part of a multi-event tour between December 13 and 15, 2025.
Whether you’re a die-hard Messi fan or just someone who wants to be part of something historic, this is big news. So here’s everything you need to know about Messi’s India visit — dates, events, cities, and what it all means.
📍 Which Cities Is Messi Visiting?
Messi’s tour will take him across four cities in three days:
-
Kolkata
-
Mumbai
-
New Delhi
-
Ahmedabad
Each city has its unique event planned — from massive public celebrations to exclusive, invite-only gatherings.
🏟️ Kolkata: The Big Kickoff
Messi’s India journey is set to begin in Kolkata on December 13, and this stop is expected to be the grandest.
Here’s what’s lined up:
-
Unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi — a tribute like no other.
-
A seven-a-side celebratory football match at Eden Gardens is called the GOAT Cup.
-
A football workshop for kids, where Messi will interact with young talents and possibly share a few tricks.
-
Top Indian sports personalities and government officials, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, are expected to attend.
It’s not the first time Messi has been to Kolkata — he played here back in 2011 — but this time, the spotlight is all on him.
🎶 Mumbai: Music, Cricket, and Messi
Next stop: Mumbai, on December 14.
Here, the Messi tour will merge football with India’s other obsession — cricket. The Wankhede Stadium will host a unique celebration featuring:
-
The GOAT Concert, likely to feature performances from top Indian and international artists.
-
A softball-style exhibition game, potentially involving cricket icons like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma.
This isn’t about competition — it’s about celebration and bridging the gap between sporting legends from different fields.
🇮🇳 Delhi: A Political and Public Farewell
Messi will wrap up his Indian trip in New Delhi on December 15.
Two major things are expected to happen here:
-
A meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a symbolic moment showing Messi’s influence beyond football.
-
Another GOAT-themed event, likely involving school and college footballers, masterclasses, and maybe one final public appearance before he flies out.
🔒 What About Ahmedabad?
While Ahmedabad is technically on the list, the event planned here is reportedly private and not open to the public or media. It might be a personal or corporate engagement, but no official details have been released.
❌ No Kerala Stop — Confirmed
There was a lot of buzz earlier about Messi coming to Kerala, especially after a few viral posts suggested it. But sources close to the tour organisers have now confirmed that Kerala is not part of the official itinerary.
So, unless there’s a surprise twist (which looks unlikely), the Messi magic will stay confined to those four cities.
⚽ Why This Visit Matters
Let’s be real — how often does one of the greatest athletes in the history of any sport visit India? Messi’s visit isn’t just a football event; it’s a moment that brings together sports, culture, politics, and fandom.
It’s also a massive boost for Indian football, especially for the younger generation who’ll get a chance to see Messi live, maybe even shake hands with him or learn from him directly.
📝 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in Kolkata planning to catch the GOAT Cup, a Mumbaikar excited for the Wankhede concert, or a Delhiite hoping to catch a glimpse near Parliament, this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of visit.
And if you’re wondering whether this is just a PR tour, think again. From statue unveilings to kids’ clinics and political meetings, Lionel Messi’s India visit in December 2025 is packed with meaning, purpose, and unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned. The countdown has begun.
For more updates, visit sportupia.com
