Lionel Messi To Return India After 14 Years

Indian football fans are set for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, will make his long-awaited return to the country later this year. Event promoter Satadru Dutta officially confirmed on Friday that the Argentine icon will embark on a three-city tour of India, beginning in Kolkata on December 12, 2025.

Titled the ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’, Messi’s journey will see him travel to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with the grand finale being a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.

Messi Returns to India After 14 Years

The last time Messi set foot in India was back in 2011, when he led Argentina in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium. That night, Kolkata experienced a rare glimpse of football royalty—and now, 14 years later, the city will once again be the stage where Messi begins his Indian adventure.

Dutta, who has been working tirelessly to bring the superstar to India, revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how the visit came to life. Earlier this year, he presented the tour proposal to Messi’s father, before securing a 45-minute meeting with Messi himself on February 28. “I explained the plan and our objectives. He seemed convinced it was worthwhile and committed to coming,” Dutta shared.

The Tour Schedule: Football Meets Culture

Messi will touch down in Kolkata on the night of December 12, spending two days and one night in the city. The following morning, he will take part in a special meet-and-greet event at Taj Bengal, where fans will also be treated to a unique food and tea festival.

A passionate tea lover, Messi is particularly fond of mate, Argentina’s traditional herbal tea. To celebrate this, organisers are planning a fusion of Argentine mate and India’s famous Assam tea, giving fans a taste of both cultures in one cup.

But it’s not just about meet-and-greets. Messi’s trip carries a deeper purpose. In each city, he will conduct masterclasses with children, aiming to inspire the next generation of Indian footballers with his knowledge, experience, and unmatched passion for the game.

Who’s Joining Messi?

While the complete entourage is being kept under wraps, there is strong speculation that Messi could be joined by some of his closest friends and teammates from Inter Miami, including Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul. Dutta, however, declined to confirm any names, promising that official details would be revealed by Messi himself.

A Celebration of Football’s Greatest

With Kolkata chosen as the starting point of the ‘GOAT Tour’, the city’s football-loving fans are expected to give Messi a hero’s welcome. From there, the excitement will travel across India as Messi spreads his magic in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and finally New Delhi, before concluding with a historic meeting with the Prime Minister.

For Indian football fans, December 2025 will be remembered not just as a tour but as a celebration of the world’s greatest player stepping onto Indian soil once again – this time, not as part of a national team, but as a global icon inspiring the future of the sport in the country.

Also Read: Chelsea Vs Crystal Palace: Maresca Faces Big Selection Calls In Opening Premier League Clash

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}