The wait is finally over. Football’s biggest superstar, Lionel Messi, has confirmed that he will be returning to India after 14 long years as part of his much-awaited “GOAT Tour of India 2025”. Set for mid-December, the three-city fan experience will bring together football, Bollywood and culture. It will be an unforgettable spectacle that the football fans will cherish for a lifetime.
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 last week. 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. Before that, he is also likely to play an international friendly in Kerala.
Lionel Messi India Tour 2025: Dates & Schedule
Messi’s GOAT Tour of India 2025 will run from December 13 to 15, featuring fan events, celebrity matches, and cultural showcases across India’s most iconic venues.
| City | Venue | Date | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | Salt Lake Stadium | Dec 13 | Celebrity match, musical tribute, GOAT Cup handover |
| Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium | Dec 14 | Padel GOAT Cup, masterclasses, Bollywood presence |
| New Delhi | Arun Jaitley Stadium | Dec 15 | Celebrity match, felicitation ceremony, meeting with PM Modi |
Reports suggest Messi could also visit Ahmedabad during the tour, while a separate Argentina friendly is being planned in Kerala in November, meaning Indian fans might see Messi twice in as many months.
Lionel Messi Detailed Itinerary
Kolkata: The grand opening of the GOAT Tour
Messi’s India journey will begin in Kolkata on December 13, where he will attend the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Salt Lake Stadium. As per the show flow, the action begins at 12:10 PM, with Messi’s appearance scheduled between 12:30 PM and 1:45 PM. The programme includes:
- Celebrity football match (two halves of 15 minutes)
- Half-time musical tribute to Messi (10 minutes)
- GOAT Cup handover and penalty shootout
- Football clinic and felicitation ceremony
- Stadium drive-through – Messi’s lap of honour around the ground
Messi is expected to share the stage with Sourav Ganguly, Baichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes among others, making it a true celebration of Indian sport.
Mumbai: When Bollywood meets football
After Kolkata, Messi will land in Mumbai for the most glamorous leg of the tour. The Wankhede Stadium will host the event on December 14, with the main show beginning at 5:30 PM IST.
The day will feature a mix of football and entertainment, a Padel GOAT Cup (honouring Messi’s passion for padel), followed by football clinics, celebrity matches, and live performances.
The Mumbai event is expected to see Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar share the stage with Messi, symbolising a rare crossover of India’s biggest sporting and entertainment icons.
Delhi: A royal finish at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Messi’s tour will conclude in New Delhi on December 15, where he will be joined by India’s top stars and dignitaries. The event will take place at Arun Jaitley Stadium, and Messi is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit.
The Delhi event mirrors Kolkata’s structure — a 90-minute fan engagement session featuring:
- Celebrity football match (30 mins total)
- Musical tribute to Messi
- GOAT Cup presentation & penalty shootout
- Football clinic and felicitation ceremony
- Stadium drive-through
For Delhi and Mumbai, District (by Zomato) is the official ticketing partner. Fans can book seats via the District app or website, with general sale opening on October 9 at 2:00 PM IST.
How to buy tickets for Lionel Messi’s India tour
Tickets for Messi’s India events are available on District (by Zomato). The HSBC pre-sale opened on October 8, while the general sale begins on October 9 at 2:00 PM IST.
Fans can purchase tickets for:
- Kolkata: Salt Lake Stadium
- Mumbai: Wankhede Stadium
- New Delhi: Arun Jaitley Stadium
Each user can book up to four tickets per transaction. Prices vary by venue and range between ₹4,700 and ₹14,750, depending on the stand and lounge selected.
