Football icon Lionel Messi has officially commenced his highly anticipated three-day GOAT India Tour 2025, making his grand arrival in Kolkata. The Argentine superstar landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, where he was greeted by an ecstatic crowd of fans. Their joy was palpable, with celebrations marked by dancing and cheering as they welcomed their hero, while messi isn't alone on this significant tour; he's accompanied by fellow football stars Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, adding to the excitement surrounding their visit.
Unveiling and Celebrations in the City of Joy
During his stay in Kolkata, Messi is scheduled to participate in several key events. A major highlight will be the virtual unveiling of his impressive 70-foot tall statue, a testament to his global stature and immense fan following. Following this, the iconic Salt Lake Stadium will host a vibrant music concert, setting the stage for a friendly football match. This match is expected to draw a large audience, eager to witness the legend in action, even if in a ceremonial capacity.
High-Profile Meetings in Kolkata
The Kolkata leg of Messi's tour is also expected to feature high-profile meetings. There is a strong possibility that the legendary footballer will meet former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at the Salt Lake Stadium. On top of that, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to honor him, underscoring the significance of his visit to the state. These interactions will undoubtedly be a major draw for both sports enthusiasts and the general public.
Hyderabad Gears Up for Messi Mania
After his engagements in Kolkata, Lionel Messi will travel to Hyderabad. His schedule in Hyderabad includes an event at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium. Here, his team is slated to play a friendly match on. Saturday evening against a team led by Telangana Chief Minister K. Revanth Reddy. This unique encounter promises to be a memorable event for the city's football fans.
Friendly Match and Penalty Shootouts in Hyderabad
According to Parvathi Reddy, a consultant for the GOAT Tour Hyderabad, the friendly match will. Be a brief 15-20 minute affair between two teams: Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. Prior to the match, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a known football enthusiast, will. Join Messi for a 'Ball Dribble' session, a moment sure to delight spectators. Reddy informed PTI that the winner of the friendly match will. Be decided through a penalty shootout, with each team getting three attempts.
Community Engagement and Packed Stadium
The tour also has a charitable component. Approximately 60 individuals paid 10 lakh rupees each for a photo opportunity with Lionel Messi, while the funds collected from this initiative will be directed towards a football clinic, designed to provide young aspiring players with the invaluable opportunity to learn from seasoned football professionals. Organizers have reported strong ticket sales, with around 27,000 tickets already sold for the Hyderabad event. They anticipate a full house by Saturday evening, as the stadium has a capacity of 39,000 spectators. Messi is expected to arrive in Hyderabad around 4:00 PM, before departing for Mumbai on Sunday morning.
Mumbai and New Delhi Await the Star
Following Hyderabad, Messi's journey will take him to Mumbai. His schedule in the financial capital includes participation in the Paddle Cup at the Cricket Club of. India, a celebrity football match, and an event at Wankhede Stadium, followed by a charity fashion show. The final stop on his India tour will be New Delhi, where he's scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, including a felicitation of Minerva Academy players, is also planned. Strict security measures have been implemented across all cities to ensure the smooth conduct of Messi's programs.
Detailed Tour Schedule
The comprehensive schedule for Lionel Messi's India tour is as follows:
December 13, Kolkata:
Arrival at 1:30 AM, Meet and Greet (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM), Virtual Statue Unveiling (10:30 AM - 11:15 AM), Yuva Bharati Arrival (11:15 AM - 11:25 AM), CM Mamata Banerjee and Sourav Ganguly arrival at Salt Lake Stadium (12:00 PM), Friendly Match, Felicitation & Interaction (12:00 PM - 12:30 PM), Departure for Hyderabad (2:00 PM).
December 13, Hyderabad:
7v7 Match with Lionel Messi at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (7:00 PM), followed by a concert.
December 14, Mumbai:
Participation in Paddle Cup at Cricket Club of India (3:30 PM), Celebrity Football Match (4:00 PM), Event at Wankhede Stadium followed by Charity Fashion Show (5:00 PM).
December 15, New Delhi:
Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Event at Arun Jaitley Stadium including felicitation of Minerva Academy players (1:30 PM).
It's important to note that Messi arrived in Kolkata around 3:00 AM, slightly later than planned, which may lead to potential delays in subsequent events.
