Football fans in India are preparing for a historic event as Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, is set to revisit the country later in 2025. Confirmed by event promoter Satadru Dutta, the Argentine superstar will embark on a three-city tour, starting in Kolkata on December 12, 2025. This tour, branded as the ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’, will include stops in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, culminating in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15. Messi last played in India in 2011, leading Argentina in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela in Kolkata. Dutta detailed the efforts behind bringing Messi to India, including presenting the tour proposal to Messi’s father and securing a meeting with Messi himself on February 28. The schedule includes a meet-and-greet event at Taj Bengal in Kolkata, along with a fusion of Argentine mate and Indian Assam tea. In addition to public appearances, Messi plans to conduct masterclasses in each city, aiming to inspire young Indian footballers. Speculation suggests Messi may be joined by teammates from Inter Miami, though official details will be released by Messi himself. The tour is anticipated to be a celebration of Messi’s career and a boost to the future of football in India.
