Football legend Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will indeed be visiting India later in December for a four-city tour. His visit marks the Argentinian’s return to India for the first time in 14 years. However, it remains unclear if Messi will be a part of the Argentine national team who are scheduled to play a friendly match in Kerala in November.
Messi’s trip to India confirmed
As per reports, Messi – in an official statement – said that it was a honour for him to make the trip to India and recalled that he had good memories from his last trip to the country 14 years ago. Hailing India as a passionate football nation, the legend said that he was looking forward to meeting a new generation of football fans in the country.
“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 an official statement.
Messi’s ‘GOAT tour’ will commence from December 13 onwards, with the first stop set to be Kolkata. He will then visit Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi to take part in football-centric activities. Messi is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi on December 15. Reports state that he will take part in meet-and-greet, food festivals, a padel exhibhition at Mumbai’s Brabourne stadium apart from taking part in football events.
Details of Messi’s Mumbai, Kolkata visit
As per Financial Express, Messi’s trip to Koilkata will see him visit the Salt Lake Stadium witness the 2nd edition of the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup. He is also expected to share the stage with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly, former Indian football captain Baichang Bhutia and tennis icon Leander Paes among other prominent sportspersons.
In Mumbai, Messi is expected to take part in the Padel GOAT Cup which could see the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni among others in participation.
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