Lionel Messi Set to Visit India in December for Exciting Events

Messi's Anticipated Return to India

In a thrilling announcement, Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football star, revealed his plans to visit India this December. His itinerary includes stops in Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with a hint at possibly visiting another city.

Speculation about Messi's trip has been circulating for weeks, and on Thursday, he confirmed that this will be his first visit to India in 14 years. He is scheduled to appear at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, followed by events at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on December 14 and Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on December 15.

During his last visit in 2011, Messi participated in a friendly match against Venezuela in Kolkata. Expressing his excitement on Instagram, he stated, "I’m truly excited to be visiting such a beautiful country as India this December. It will be a pleasure to attend concerts, youth football clinics, a paddle cup, and launch charitable initiatives during events at iconic stadiums in Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and maybe one more city. These tickets will be available exclusively on the District app. It will also be an honour to interact with India’s biggest stars and top dignitaries. Thanks to The Satadru Dutta Initiative for making it possible to come back to India after 14 years."

View Messi's Instagram Post

Last month, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Messi's visit to the state on December 14 would be part of the GOAT Tour. During this time, Messi gifted Fadnavis a signed football. Fadnavis also mentioned that under-14 football players from across Maharashtra would be selected by the Sports Department to practice with Messi on the same day.

Fadnavis expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating, "Guess what! Lionel Messi is coming to Maharashtra and will play football with you, my young friends! Thank you, Messi, for gifting me your personally signed football! I welcome your forthcoming visit to Mumbai on 14th December 2025, as part of the GOAT Tour! Under-14 young football players from across Maharashtra will be selected by our Sports Department, MITRA, and WIFA to practice with Lionel Messi on 14th December! I invite football fans and corporates to support our efforts to bring world-class training to Maharashtra's youth!"