New Delhi: Football fans across the country are gearing up for one of the biggest sporting moments India has ever hosted, as Lionel Messi is set to arrive for his GOAT India Tour 2025. Scheduled from December 13 to 15, the three-day, four-city tour marks Messi’s first visit to India since 2011 and promises an action-packed lineup of events that blend sport, culture and fan engagement. The tour will take the Argentina icon to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, with each city preparing to host a unique programme designed to bring fans closer to their footballing hero.
First India visit in 14 years
Messi’s return after more than a decade has sparked overwhelming excitement nationwide. The Argentina captain last played in India during a friendly match in Kolkata in 2011. This time, his schedule is more expansive and interactive, giving fans across the country a rare chance to witness the football legend up close.
The tour promoter Satadru Dutta confirmed that Messi will be accompanied for several events by his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. Both stars will join him during the Mumbai leg of the tour, adding to the anticipation.
Youth-focused football clinic in Hyderabad
A major highlight of the tour is a special football clinic in Hyderabad on December 13, aimed at nurturing young talent. Parvathi Reddy, chief patron and advisor of the Hyderabad events, said the initiative will give budding footballers first-hand exposure to global superstars.
She said the clinic will include children who lack access to structured football training, aligning with Messi’s longstanding humanitarian work as a UNICEF ambassador. “Rodrigo and Luis Suárez will also be part of the clinic along with the Chief Minister of Telangana. They will be training children, inspiring them, and giving tips on football,” she said.
The Hyderabad event will also include an exhibition match at Uppal Stadium and a musical concert, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
Full schedule of Messi’s GOAT India Tour
December 13 — Kolkata
• 1:30 am: Arrival
• 9:30–10:30 am: Meet-and-greet
• 10:30–11:15 am: Virtual inauguration of Messi’s statue
• 11:15 am–12 pm: Arrival at Yuva Bharati Stadium
• 12–12:30 pm: Friendly match, felicitation and interaction
• 2 pm: Departure for Hyderabad
December 13 — Hyderabad
• 7 pm: Exhibition match at Uppal Stadium featuring Messi and CM Revanth Reddy
• Followed by a musical concert
December 14 — Mumbai
• 3:30 pm: Appearance at the Padel Cup at CCI
• 4 pm: Celebrity football match
• 5 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 and felicitation of Minerva Academy players
Tickets and city-wise pricing
Tickets for the events have been made available on the District app, with prices varying by city.
• Kolkata: Starting at ₹4,366
• Hyderabad: Starting at ₹2,250
• Delhi: Starting at ₹7,670
• Mumbai: Starting at ₹7,080
A landmark moment for Indian football
Messi’s visit is expected to significantly boost football enthusiasm in India, a country with a rapidly growing fan base for the sport. As one of the greatest footballers of all time, his presence is anticipated to inspire young athletes, strengthen sporting culture and bring global attention to India’s football ecosystem.
The inclusion of global football stars, youth clinics, charity events and high-profile political engagements makes the GOAT India Tour 2025 one of the most diverse and high-impact sporting tours the country has hosted. As fans prepare for an unforgettable December weekend, organisers say this tour will leave a long-lasting legacy for Indian football.