Lionel Messi has confirmed that Hyderabad will be the newest stop on his much-hyped ‘GOAT Tour’ to India in December 2025. The Argentina legend announced the update through his social media accounts, saying he is excited to visit four major Indian cities next month. Hyderabad now joins Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi on the tour schedule.
Messi was originally set to be involved in a friendly match in Kochi, but after the proposed fixture was cancelled, Hyderabad was added as the replacement venue. The switch ensures the tour covers all major regions of the country – Kolkata in the east, Hyderabad in the south, Mumbai in the west and New Delhi in the north. Not exactly subtle branding, but clever.
Messi to headline major events across India
According to Satadru Dutta, the organiser of the GOAT Tour, the Hyderabad event is likely to take place at either the Gachibowli Stadium or the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The schedule includes a celebrity match, a football clinic for children, a felicitation ceremony and a musical programme. Messi is also expected to interact with fans and local athletes.
Messi will start the tour in Kolkata on December 13 with a 7-a-side celebrity match and a football masterclass. On the same evening, he will head to Hyderabad for the southern leg. Mumbai will host him on December 14, where he is expected to take part in a showcase event at Brabourne Stadium, before the tour wraps up in New Delhi on December 15. Reports suggest he may meet India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Delhi leg.
Lionel Messi on India return
Messi’s return to India has been a topic of speculation for months, but the Inter Miami star officially confirmed the tour on Instagram. In his statement, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said it was an honour to return to India, a country that left him with “fantastic memories” from his 2011 visit.
“It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic. India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game,” Messi said in his statement.
His 2011 appearance in Kolkata for the Argentina vs Venezuela friendly was historic. Fourteen years later, his comeback is even bigger, spanning Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with the possibility of a fourth city being Ahmedabad.
