Lionel Messi's Multi-City India
Football icon set for landmark tour across Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Lionel Messi is expected to visit India this December for the first time in more than ten years, with Kolkata likely to be the opening stop of a four-city tour that will also take him to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. The trip is planned to conclude with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to sources familiar with the arrangements, most preparations including securing the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai have been completed. However, the final confirmation is awaited from Messi himself, expected to come through an announcement on his social media channels.
“It is all set and we are now just waiting for Messi’s official confirmation, which could come at any time,” a source told PTI.
The organisers have agreed on the schedule and are only awaiting his public announcement.
Kolkata: Longest Stop, Statue Unveiling and GOAT Cup
Messi is scheduled to land in Kolkata around 10 pm on December 12 and will spend two days in the city, which will be his longest stop during the India tour.
His Kolkata engagements on December 13 will start at 9 am with a fan meet and greet, followed by the unveiling of a 70 foot statue of him at Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road. Organisers claim this will be the tallest statue of the World Cup winning captain anywhere in the world.
He will then visit Eden Gardens for the GOAT Concert and the GOAT Cup from noon to 1:30 pm.
The GOAT Cup will be a seven a side friendly soft ball and soft touch match featuring Indian stars such as Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham and Bhaichung Bhutia. Organisers describe it as a celebration in Messi’s honour rather than a competitive match.
The event will be fully ticketed, with prices expected to start at around Rs 3,500. Eden Gardens, which holds 68,000 spectators, is expected to be packed. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also likely to felicitate Messi at the venue.
Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi: Events, Interactions and Meeting the PM
On the evening of December 13, Messi will travel to Ahmedabad for a private programme hosted by the Adani Foundation at their Shantigram headquarters.
His Mumbai engagements are scheduled for December 14. They include a meet and greet at CCI at 3:45 pm, followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at the Wankhede Stadium at 5:30 pm.
Despite media reports, organisers confirmed that Messi will not participate in a cricket match with MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli. The Mumbai events will remain football focused, although several Indian celebrities are expected to join him.
Messi is also likely to interact with members of the Indian football team in Mumbai, including Sunil Chhetri, depending on their availability.
On December 15, Messi will visit New Delhi for a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Later, he will attend another GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup event at Feroz Shah Kotla at 2:15 pm.
Each city will also feature a children’s football masterclass led by Messi to inspire young players across India. These sessions are expected to last between 30 and 40 minutes.
No Kerala Stop
Organisers dismissed rumours of a Kerala leg, confirming that no event is planned in the state.
Messi is expected to travel with a large entourage, possibly including other footballers, though details remain confidential.
A Look Back at 2011
Messi last visited India in August 2011, when he arrived in Kolkata for an exhibition football match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium. His arrival caused massive excitement in the city as thousands of fans gathered to welcome him and packed the 75,000 seat stadium for the match.
Tentative Schedule
December 12: Arrival in Kolkata at 10 pm
December 13 in Kolkata:
• 9 am: Meet and greet
• Statue unveiling at Lake Town Sribhumi
• Noon to 1:30 pm: GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Eden Gardens
December 13 evening: Private event in Ahmedabad hosted by the Adani Foundation
December 14 in Mumbai: Meet and greet at CCI at 3:45 pm; GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium at 5:30 pm
December 15 in New Delhi: Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla at 2:15 pm
About the Creator
Manish Bhatia
Manish Bhatia is a versatile journalist covering music, sports, and business. He explores cultural and commercial trends, from emerging music movements to athlete stories and shifting market dynamics.
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