India a passionate football nation, honour to return: Messi

Lionel Messi confirmed the participation of India 2025 to the highly anticipated Goat Tour of India on Thursday, October 2, 2025 and called it “Honor” to visit the “passionate football country” that he played 14 years ago.

“It is an honor for me to make this trip. India is a very special country and I have good memories from the time I spent 14 years ago – fans were great.

“I am looking forward to meeting the new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game,” Messi said in an official statement. He said.

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Organizers had already introduced the route on August 15, and Messi said on Thursday, October 2, 2025, said the football icon approved the visit for the first time.

Before traveling to Messi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, the hurricane in Kolkata will start four cities tour on December 13th. The journey will end on December 15 with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the tour, the Argentine superstar will chair concerts, meeting and greetings, food festivals, football masterclasses and even a Padel exhibition at Mumbourne Stadium in Mumbai.

Messi’s event in Kolkata will be held on Thursday, October 2 at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The stadium is expected to share the field with Legend for the second time at the “Goat Concert” and “Goat Cup” with the Indian Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia and Leander Paes.

Organizers also plan to open a 25 -meter wall painting during the Durga Puja festivals with the opening of Messi’s largest statue so far. Event tickets are expected to start from 3,500.

This will be Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, when he seized Argentina, a FIFA -friendly way against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium.

After the meetings with Messi and his father, the supporter Satadru Dutta, who guaranteed the authority earlier this year, promised a demonstration that blends Indian and Argentine culture.

A Food and Tea Festival in Kolkata will emphasize Messi’s love for Argentine tea with a special Assam fusion.

Messi will join the “Padel Goat Cup ve in Mumbai and will participate in a famous series that can include Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Ms Dhoni and Bollywood stars.

Safety arrangements are expected to be unseen with both the Messi team and local authorities.

Also read | Lionel Messi: Immortal Genius

Messi in Kerala in November?

Messi was preparing for their commitments in December, the Argentine National Football Team included India in the program for the November FIFA International Window.

World champions coaching with Lionel Scaloni are preparing to play friendly in Kerala between November 10-18, but competitors and the venue have not yet been completed.

If this visit continues, it may mean that Messi has two trips to India within two months. However, 38 -year -old forward Kerala match is seen whether to take part in the match.

A source in the state, “the legendary football player will be surprised if he comes twice a month. However, the Argentine team minus Messi’nin is likely to play in Kerala.” He said.

The November friend will be part of three games during the window and the other two will be planned in Angola.

“The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA -friendly windows for the rest of the 2025,” AFA said.

“First, in October, from 6 to 14 to 14, the United States (competitors and cities to be determined) will be played. Second, until November 10-18, Luanda, Angola and Kerala, India (rivals will be determined) will be played,” he added.

Messi, the captain of the Olympic Gold Medal and 2022 World Cup winning, continues to attract an unprecedented fanfare worldwide, and the December tour is expected to be one of the biggest events in India.

Published – 02 October 2025 01:05 PM IST