Football legend Lionel Messi made a spectacular return to India in December 2025 as part of his GOAT Tour of India 2025 — marking his first visit after 14 years. Messi officially confirmed the trip, calling India a “very special country” with passionate football fans.
The tour included visits to four major Indian cities — Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi — where he participated in events, fan engagements, and cultural experiences.
🇮🇳 Itinerary: City-by-City Tour Details
📍 Kolkata — The Grand Start
Messi’s tour kicked off in Kolkata on December 13. The city’s Salt Lake Stadium hosted the legendary star for the “GOAT Concert” and “GOAT Cup” events.
A towering statue planned in his honor added to the celebrations, and the stadium saw huge crowds eager to witness Messi’s presence — some of whom expressed disappointment over event management.
📍 Hyderabad — Southern Hub
After Kolkata, Messi flew to Hyderabad, which was added to the itinerary after changes were made to the schedule. This ensured the tour covered all corners of India — east, south, west, and north.
📍 Mumbai — Entertainment & Sport
In Mumbai, Messi took part in the Padel GOAT Cup and other fan engagements. There were reports of celebrity presences and enthusiastic crowd participation throughout the events.
📍 New Delhi — Grand Finale
The tour concluded in New Delhi on December 15, where Messi engaged with fans and was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Special Moments & Experiences
⭐ Cultural Engagement — After wrapping up public events, Messi visited Vantara, a 3,500-acre animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, hosted by Anant Ambani. There he participated in a traditional pooja ceremony alongside the Ambani family.
⭐ Gifts & Honors — Messi received an ultra-rare luxury watch from an Indian billionaire, adding a memorable twist to his visit.
Fan Reactions & Public Response
The tour saw mixed reactions from fans across India:
- Many supporters shared excitement on social media and flooded stadiums.
- At one event in Kolkata, crowd control issues led to chaos and frustration among attendees.
- Overall, thousands of fans celebrated Messi’s presence, bringing global football fame into the Indian spotlight.
What Made This Tour Special ?
✔ First visit in 14 years — Messi returned to Indian soil after his 2011 appearance.
✔ Multi-city tour — Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
✔ Diverse events — Concerts, football displays, meet-and-greet sessions and cultural experiences.
✔ Cultural immersion — Ended with a wildlife and traditional ceremony at Vantara.
Final Summary
Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour of India 2025 was a unique blend of sport, culture, and fan celebration. While large crowds and enthusiastic receptions marked most stops, the tour also highlighted challenges in event crowd management in some cities.
Despite mixed moments, Messi’s visit reignited India’s love for football and left a lasting impression on fans nationwide — from historic stadiums in Kolkata to memorable interactions in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi.
