Lionel Messi's highly anticipated tour of India is finally here, promising a blend of football, fashion, and cultural experiences across four major cities. The tour, dubbed the 'GOAT Tour 2025,' marks Messi's return to India after 14 years, with events scheduled in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Kolkata: A City Erupts in Anticipation
The tour begins in Kolkata on December 13, where Messi will be greeted with a vibrant welcome. A 70-foot statue of the football legend will be unveiled virtually at Lake Town Sribhumi due to security concerns. He will then head to Salt Lake Stadium. The Salt Lake Stadium will host a special Argentine-India fusion food festival, blending local Bengali dishes with Argentina's traditional mate tea. A mural containing messages and artwork from fans will be presented to Messi.
Hyderabad: A Southern Stop
Following Kolkata, Messi will travel to Hyderabad on the same day. The decision to include Hyderabad was made after the cancellation of Argentina's friendly match in Kerala, ensuring that fans in South India would also have the opportunity to see Messi. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will host the GOAT Cup, featuring a celebrity match, football clinic, and musical tribute.
Mumbai: Fashion, Football, and Bollywood
On December 14, Messi will arrive in Mumbai for a series of high-profile events. A highlight of the Mumbai leg is a charity ramp walk at Wankhede Stadium, where Messi will be joined by his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, and Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. The event, described as a closed-door, charity-driven affair, will bring together figures from sports, cinema, and business, including leading Bollywood names and celebrity cricketers. Organizers have requested Messi to bring memorabilia from Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, which will be auctioned off for charitable causes. The evening will also feature a Spanish music show with Suarez. In addition to the fashion show, Messi will headline the Padel GOAT Cup, possibly with Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and leading Bollywood actors.
Delhi: Meeting the Prime Minister
The tour will conclude in New Delhi on December 15, where Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also attend a felicitation ceremony for Minerva Academy's youth teams. At Arun Jaitley Stadium, Messi will participate in a 7v7 game and conduct a masterclass with talented youngsters.
A Nation's Passion
Messi's return to India has generated immense excitement among fans. His previous visit in 2011, for a friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela in Kolkata, remains a cherished memory for many Indian football enthusiasts. This tour is expected to further solidify his legacy in a nation where his fan base has grown steadily. The GOAT Tour 2025 is more than just a visit; it's a celebration of football, sportsmanship, and the enduring appeal of one of the world's greatest athletes.
