The anticipation surrounding Lionel Messi's "GOAT Tour of India 2025" has reached fever pitch, with new developments suggesting that the Inter Miami superstar won't be the only familiar face gracing the football-mad nation. Whispers of a potential "Barcelona reunion" have turned into confirmed reports, with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul now slated to join Messi on his landmark visit.
Suárez, the Uruguayan striker and long-time Messi teammate, has extended his contract with Inter Miami through the 2025 season and is set to accompany Messi on the tour. The 38-year-old had a successful 2024 season with Inter Miami, leading the team in scoring with 25 goals across all competitions. His reunion with Messi, along with former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, has already generated significant buzz within the MLS.
Adding further firepower to the Inter Miami contingent is Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. The World Cup winner has officially joined Inter Miami on loan from Atlético Madrid, with an option to make the deal permanent. The 31-year-old is expected to be a key addition to Miami's midfield, bringing experience and quality to the squad. De Paul's arrival reunites him with Messi, with whom he shared a strong bond during Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign.
Messi's "GOAT Tour of India 2025" is scheduled to take place in December, with confirmed stops in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour will kick off in Kolkata on December 13, with Messi then traveling to Ahmedabad for a private event. Mumbai will host a meet-and-greet, a "GOAT Concert," and a "GOAT Cup" at the Wankhede Stadium on December 14. The tour will conclude in New Delhi on December 15, with a scheduled meeting between Messi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While the specific details of Suárez and De Paul's involvement in the India tour remain under wraps, it is expected that they will participate in various promotional events and fan engagements alongside Messi. In Kolkata, a special exhibition match between Mohun Bagan Messi All Stars and East Bengal Messi All Stars is being planned, with Messi expected to present the winner's trophy. The Salt Lake Stadium is also expected to host a "GOAT Concert" and "GOAT Cup," potentially featuring appearances by Indian sports legends.
The addition of Suárez and De Paul to Messi's India tour is expected to further amplify the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. The prospect of witnessing these global football icons in action has Indian football fans buzzing, with tickets already in high demand. This tour marks Messi's second visit to India, with his first coming in 2011 when Argentina played Venezuela in Kolkata. For Suárez and De Paul, this will be their first experience of India's vibrant football culture. The "GOAT Tour of India 2025" promises to be a historic event, leaving a lasting impact on Indian football and further strengthening the country's connection with the global game.
