Football superstar Lionel Messi touched down in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday, sparking a citywide frenzy as thousands of fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the GOAT. Chants, flags, and flashing cameras filled the area as Messi was escorted under heavy security to his hotel, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. This marked the beginning of the GOAT India Tour 2025, which will take Messi across four major cities Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi over three days.
This marks Messi’s first visit to India in 14 years, since he visited Kolkata in 2011 during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium.
Kolkata Kickstarts GOAT India Tour
The tour opens in Kolkata, where Messi will attend a private meet-and-greet session from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM for select guests. Following this, he will virtually unveil a 70-foot statue being installed at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, reflecting the city’s admiration for the football legend.
Later, the Salt Lake Stadium will host concerts and special events, including a friendly match featuring Messi, and fan interactions with celebrities. Prominent personalities expected to attend include Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly.
Messi Will Tour In Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi
After Kolkata, Messi will travel to Hyderabad on December 13, where he will feature in a 7v7 football match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, followed by a musical concert.
On December 14, Mumbai will host Messi for the Padel GOAT Cup at Brabourne Stadium, along with a celebrity football match featuring leading Bollywood actors. His schedule also includes a charity fashion show, an auction of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup memorabilia, and a Spanish musical evening led by Luis Suárez. Notable attendees include Shah Rukh Khan and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Messi’s tour concludes in New Delhi on December 15, with events at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Highlights include a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the felicitation of Minerva Academy players, alongside other fan engagements.
Lionel Messi’s Complete India Tour Schedule
December 13, Kolkata:
- 1:30 AM – Arrival
- 9:30–10:30 AM – Meet-and-greet
- 10:30–11:15 AM – Virtual statue inauguration
- 11:30 AM – Shah Rukh Khan arrives at Yuva Bharati
- 12:00 PM – Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Sourav Ganguly arrive at Salt Lake Stadium
- 12:00–12:30 PM – Friendly match and fan interaction
- 2:00 PM – Departure for Hyderabad
December 13, Hyderabad:
- 7:00 PM – 7v7 football match and musical concert at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
December 14, Mumbai:
- 3:30 PM – Padel Cup at Cricket Club of India
- 4:00 PM – Celebrity football match
- 5:00 PM – Event at Wankhede Stadium, charity fashion show
December 15, New Delhi:
- Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- 1:30 PM – Event at Arun Jaitley Stadium, felicitation of Minerva Academy players
Lionel Messi India Tour Live Streaming: How And Where To Watch Live
Select events from the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025 will be available for live streaming on Prasar Bharati YouTube channel and the Waves OTT app. Live telecast coverage will also be available on DD Sports TV.
