The city of Kolkata is buzzing with excitement as football legend Lionel Messi embarks on his highly anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025, marking his first visit to the country in 14 years. On Saturday, December 13, Messi will virtually unveil a towering 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata, kicking off a whirlwind three-day journey that will see him travel to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The iron sculpture, crafted in just 40 days by main sculptor Monty Paul, depicts Messi triumphantly holding the World Cup—an image that has already become the centerpiece of a social media meme storm across India.
The GOAT Tour is more than just a celebration of Messi’s footballing prowess; it’s a cultural phenomenon blending sport, celebrity, and fandom in a way seldom seen on the subcontinent. Kolkata, a city with a deep-rooted passion for football, has rolled out the red carpet for the Argentine superstar. A special ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone has been set up, featuring a life-sized replica of Messi seated regally on a throne, and even a recreation of his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members. The anticipation has reached fever pitch, with fans like 64-year-old Samir Nandy declaring, “Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him. The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”
Messi’s itinerary in Kolkata is packed. He’ll attend a meet-and-greet session from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by the much-anticipated virtual unveiling of his statue between 10:30 AM and 11:15 AM. The celebrations continue at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), where Messi will be joined by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. The stadium, which last hosted Messi in 2011 during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela, will stage a friendly football match, felicitation ceremony, and fan interactions starting at noon.
Messi’s arrival is not a solo act. Joining him on the tour are long-time teammate Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Their presence adds even more star power to an already dazzling lineup of celebrities, with Shah Rukh Khan and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar expected to make appearances during the Mumbai leg of the tour.
After wrapping up festivities in Kolkata, Messi will jet off to Hyderabad for a 7v7 football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at 7:00 PM, followed by a musical concert in his honor. The energy is sure to be electric, as fans from across India converge on the stadium hoping for a glimpse of their idol in action. The Hyderabad stop is just one part of a packed schedule that blends sport, music, and culture in a uniquely Indian celebration of global football.
On December 14, Mumbai takes center stage as Messi participates in the Padel GOAT Cup at 3:30 PM at the Cricket Club of India. This will be followed by a celebrity football match at 4:00 PM and a charity fashion show at Wankhede Stadium at 5:00 PM. The events will draw some of India’s biggest names from sports and entertainment, with Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar among those expected to share the spotlight with Messi. The Mumbai leg is also notable for its charitable focus, with an auction of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup memorabilia and a Spanish musical evening led by Suárez.
The grand finale unfolds in New Delhi on December 15. Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a significant diplomatic moment that underscores the global reach of the football icon. Later, he’ll attend events at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, including the felicitation of players from Minerva Academy, one of India’s leading football academies. The capital’s sports community is abuzz with anticipation, as Messi’s visit promises to inspire a new generation of Indian footballers.
For fans eager to be part of the action, tickets are available online via the District ticketing platform, with prices ranging from ₹2,250 in Hyderabad to ₹7,080 in Mumbai. Kolkata tickets start at ₹4,366, while New Delhi prices begin at ₹4,720. Select events will be live streamed on the Prasar Bharati YouTube channel and the Waves OTT app, with live telecasts available on DD Sports TV channel, ensuring that Messi’s Indian adventure reaches millions of viewers nationwide.
Messi’s return to India comes at a high point in his career. The 38-year-old recently clinched his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award after leading Inter Miami to the MLS title and topping the league’s goal charts. His leadership and on-field brilliance remain undiminished, and he is set to captain Argentina as they defend their World Cup crown in North America next June and July.
Reflecting on his visit, Messi expressed his excitement in an official statement: “India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago—the fans were fantastic. India is a passionate football nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
The sentiment is echoed by the sculptor Monty Paul, who said, “It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made.” The statue itself has sparked a wave of memes and playful banter online, with some jokingly dubbing it the “Meesho Messi” after the popular Indian e-commerce site. Yet, beneath the humor lies a deep respect and admiration for Messi’s journey from Rosario to global superstardom.
The GOAT India Tour 2025 is more than a series of public appearances—it’s a celebration of resilience, excellence, and the unifying power of sport. With each city stop, Messi is not only honoring his legacy but also inspiring legions of fans, young and old, to dream big and play with heart. As the tour unfolds, the football world watches India with bated breath, eager to see how this unique chapter in Messi’s storied career will play out.
As Kolkata’s festivities draw to a close and Messi’s whirlwind journey continues across India, one thing is clear: the magic of the beautiful game—and the legend of Lionel Messi—has never felt closer for millions of Indian fans. The excitement is palpable, the memories indelible, and the story far from over as the GOAT Tour rolls on.
