Football Sensation Lionel Messi to Visit India in December; Fans Might Get a Chance to Personally Meet Him If…

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
New Delhi, 29th July 2025: Football sensation and Argentine national captain Lionel Andrés Messi is set to visit India in December 2025 for a three-city tour, sparking excitement across the nation. Scheduled to visit Mumbai, Kolkata, and New Delhi, this will be his first tour of such kind in India. Football fans may even get a chance to meet him personally, if they are willing to pay for it.

Messi’s visit will mark his second time in India, following his first appearance in 2011. The highly anticipated tour will begin in Kolkata on 13th December, followed by Mumbai on 14th December, and conclude in Delhi on 15th December.

In Kolkata, Messi will be felicitated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Eden Gardens. The day will feature the inauguration of a football clinic, a children’s workshop, and the special “GOAT Cup” seven-a-side tournament. While Messi won’t play a full match, he is expected to showcase his renowned penalty-taking skills. In Mumbai, Brabourne Stadium will host a star-studded event featuring Bollywood celebrities and sports icons, including a possible appearance by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The schedule includes workshops for youth and a showcase event involving actors and athletes, with Messi expected to inspire and engage with fans.

Delhi will see Messi meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside a felicitation ceremony and grassroots football development initiatives for local youth. The event venue is likely to be either Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or Feroz Shah Kotla. This tour is especially significant due to the rarity of such appearances by global football icons in India. Though Kerala was previously rumored to be part of the itinerary, it is now expected to host Argentina for a national team friendly in October instead. The December events remain exclusive to Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi under the “GOAT Cup” celebrations.

A Private Meet Arranged?

An Indian event management company is reportedly organizing a “Meet & Greet” event offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to personally engage with Lionel Messi. This exclusive experience will be held in Mumbai on 14th December and Delhi on 15th December. Attendees will enjoy a private interaction with Messi, a professional photo opportunity, and an official Argentina jersey signed by the legend himself. The package also includes a luxurious gala lunch, a live penalty showcase, and a glamorous “Bollywood x Messi” segment with celebrities from the Indian film industry. The reported price for this premium experience starts at Rs 14 lakh plus taxes, with prices possibly increasing based on demand. According to event organizers, the Mumbai leg of the meet-and-greet is already sold out due to overwhelming demand, while limited spots remain for the Delhi event. For more details, interested fans can contact [email protected].

Messi to Play a Match in October in Kerala?

The Argentina national football team, led by Messi, is also scheduled to visit India in October 2025 for an international exhibition match in Kerala. While the exact date and opponent are yet to be finalized, the fixture is reportedly still on track despite rumors of cancellation due to logistical or financial concerns. However, it is not confirmed whether Messi will accompany the squad or participate in the match, though fans remain hopeful.

Messi’s Last Visit to India

Lionel Messi’s last visit to India was in September 2011, marking his only previous trip to the country. He captained Argentina for the first time in a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Messi delivered a dazzling performance, showcasing his dribbling and playmaking brilliance and playing the full 90 minutes. Though he didn’t score, he set up the winning goal in Argentina’s 1–0 victory. The match attracted a massive crowd and media buzz, solidifying Messi’s fanbase in India.

Messi’s Hype in India

Lionel Messi’s return is a historic moment for Indian football fans, especially in football-passionate states like Kerala, West Bengal, Goa, and the North-East. His global fame, recent World Cup win, and legendary career with FC Barcelona have made him one of the most admired non-cricket athletes in India. Surveys suggest Messi has around 9–10 million devoted fans in the country, with millions more casual admirers. His emotional connection with Indian supporters, particularly in regions with a deep love for Argentina, adds to the nationwide frenzy. As football’s following continues to surge, with over 160 million reported enthusiasts across India, Messi’s presence promises to energize the sport like never before.