Football legend Lionel Messi arrived in India on December 13 for his highly anticipated GOAT Tour 2025, marking his first visit in 14 years. The three-day extravaganza is creating unprecedented buzz across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Messi last visited India in 2011 when Argentina played Venezuela. Now, at 38 and fresh off Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory, he’s returning to connect with India’s growing football fanbase. The tour represents India’s emergence as a global sports destination and celebrates Messi’s legendary career including his 2022 World Cup triumph and eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Why This Tour is BREAKING THE INTERNET
The 38-year-old World Cup champion isn’t just playing football—he’s meeting India’s biggest names. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is attending Messi’s event at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, alongside celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, and potentially PM Narendra Modi.
SHOCKING: What’s Happening in Each City?
Kolkata (Dec 13) – The Epic Start
- Venue: Salt Lake Stadium
- Virtual unveiling of a massive 70-foot Messi statue at Sreebhumi Sporting Club
- 7v7 celebrity match with Sourav Ganguly
- Argentine-Indian fusion food festival
- Ticket Price: Starting ₹4,366
Hyderabad (Dec 13 Evening) – Political Star Power
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- Friendly match between Messi’s team and CM Revanth Reddy’s RR9 squad
- 39,000 spectators expected with 3,000 security personnel deployed
- Musical concert featuring Messi
- Ticket Price: Starting ₹2,250
Mumbai (Dec 14) – Bollywood Meets Football
- Venue: Brabourne Stadium
- Padel GOAT Cup with Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan
- Charity fashion show and World Cup memorabilia auction
- Celebrity football match with Bollywood stars
- Ticket Price: Starting ₹7,080 (highest: ₹16,000)
Delhi (Dec 15) – The Grand Finale
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium
- Meeting with PM Narendra Modi (reported)
- Felicitation of Minerva Academy youth team
- Masterclass with young talents
- Ticket Price: Starting ₹4,720
How to GET TICKETS Before They’re GONE
Tickets are available on the District ticketing platform. Prices vary by city, with Mumbai being the most expensive. For die-hard fans in Kolkata, a special meet-and-greet package costs ₹10 lakh—including a handshake and photo with the legend!
Where to WATCH LIVE (Free Options!)
Can’t make it to the stadiums? Select events will stream live on Prasar Bharati’s YouTube channel and Waves OTT app, with TV broadcast on DD Sports.
Who’s Joining Messi? The Star-Studded Lineup
Messi is accompanied by long-time teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul. Expected appearances include:
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Sourav Ganguly
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Rahul Gandhi
- CM Mamata Banerjee
- PM Narendra Modi
Quick Facts That’ll BLOW Your Mind
- First visit to India in 14 years
- Tour spans 3 days, 4 cities
- Expected attendance: 150,000+ fans
- Statue height: 70 feet (21 meters)
- Meet & greet cost: ₹10 lakh
- Security personnel: 3,000+ in Hyderabad alone
