Lionel Messi has officially confirmed his return to India in December 2025 for the GOAT Tour of India, signaling the end of a 14-year absence since he last played in Kolkata.
In an official statement, the World Cup winner expressed his excitement, calling India a “very special country” and a “passionate football nation” deserving of a grand celebration.
This three-day, four-city tour is structured to be far more than a public appearance; it is a dedicated festival blending high-profile sport, music, and cultural engagement across India’s most passionate regions.
The GOAT Tour Itinerary: Sport Meets Culture
The tour is scheduled to run from December 13 to December 15, 2025, with the following key city stops and events:
1. Kolkata: The Grand Kick-off (December 13)
- Venue: The iconic Salt Lake Stadium, where Messi previously played in 2011.
- Events: The city will host the “GOAT Concert” and the “GOAT Cup.” The latter is expected to be a celebratory soft-touch football exhibition where Messi will share the field with Indian sports legends like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
- Cultural Highlights: Organisers plan to unveil a massive 25-foot high mural and potentially his biggest-ever statue during the city’s Durga Puja festivities, along with a special food and tea festival celebrating Messi’s favourite Argentine beverage with an Assam fusion.
2. Ahmedabad: Private Engagement (December 13)
- Messi will travel to Ahmedabad for a private event, likely involving major sponsors and commercial commitments, underscoring the business significance of his global brand.
3. Mumbai: Celebrity & Sport Fusion (December 14)
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium (or Brabourne Stadium for some events).
- Events: The main draw will be the “Padel GOAT Cup,” showcasing the growing sport of padel tennis. A star-studded celebrity line-up is anticipated, with possible appearances by Indian legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni alongside Bollywood stars.
- Youth Focus: The day will also include a masterclass with young football talents, with a focus on under-14 players selected by the Maharashtra Sports Department.
4. New Delhi: Diplomatic Conclusion (December 15)
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium (for the public event).
- Events: The tour will culminate in the capital with a major event, possibly including a final GOAT Concert.
- High-Level Meeting: The trip is set to conclude with a significant meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the cultural and political importance of the visit.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the high-profile events, the GOAT Tour is heavily focused on grassroots development, featuring youth football clinics and masterclasses designed to inspire a new generation of Indian footballers.
Messi’s statement reflects his motivation: “I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.” The GOAT Tour is not just a fan service; it’s a tribute to the deep and passionate football culture he remembers from his last visit and a catalyst for its future growth.
