Lionel Messi Says It's An Honor To Return To India - Connect2ConnectOnline October 2, 2025

Lionel Messi announced on Thursday (October 2, 2025) that he will be part of the highly awaited GOAT Tour of India 2025.

Messi, who has an Olympic gold medal and led his team to victory in the 2022 World Cup, continues to draw massive attention from fans all over the globe.

His tour in December is anticipated to be one of the largest football events ever held in India.

“I feel truly honoured to take this trip. India holds a special place in my heart, and I cherish the memories from my visit 14 years ago – the fans were amazing”.

“India is a country that loves football, and I can’t wait to connect with a new wave of fans while spreading my passion for this amazing sport”, Messi mentioned in an official statement.

The organizers had already revealed the schedule on August 15, and Messi’s announcement on Thursday (October 2, 2025) was the first time the football legend himself confirmed his visit.

Messi will kick off his exciting four city tour in Kolkata on December 13, then head to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

The trip will wrap up with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.

This will mark Messi’s first trip to India since 2011, when he led Argentina in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Throughout the tour, the Argentine superstar will lead concerts, meet and greet events, food festivals, football masterclasses, and even a padel exhibition at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.

In Kolkata, Messi’s event will take place at Salt Lake Stadium, which was also confirmed on Thursday (October 2, 2025).

This stadium will welcome the legend for the second time, this time during the “GOAT Concert” and “GOAT Cup” on December 13.

Messi is set to share the field with Indian legends Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.

Promoter Satadru Dutta, who got the green light earlier this year after discussions with Messi and his dad, has promised an event that mixes Indian and Argentine cultures.

A food and tea festival in Kolkata will showcase Messi’s love for Argentine tea, featuring a special Assam fusion.

In Mumbai, Messi will also be part of the “Padel GOAT Cup”.

He join a celebrity lineup that might include Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and other Bollywood stars.

Security measures are expected to be top notch, with both Messi’s team and local authorities working together.

Tickets for the events are expected to start at ₹3,500.

South India Plan

Messi gears up for his December plans, the Argentina national football team has added India to its itinerary for a November FIFA international window.

“The Argentine national team, under Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows left in 2025”, the AFA stated in its announcement.

“The first event is set for October 6th to 14th in the United States (the opponents and cities are still to be decided). The second one will take place from November 10th to 18th in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (with opponents yet to be confirmed)”, it mentioned.

If that visit happens, it could mean Messi making two trips to India in just two months.

However, it’s uncertain if the 38 year old forward will play in the Kerala match.

The November friendly will be part of three matches during the window, with the other two planned in Angola.