SPECULATION AROUND LIONEL MESSI’S RETURN to India has finally been put to rest, with the football legend officially announcing the “G.O.A.T India Tour”.
The tour kicks off in Kolkata on 13 December, before moving to Mumbai on 14 December and concluding in New Delhi on 15 December. The announcement also teased the addition of “maybe one more city”, with Ahmedabad emerging as the most likely option.
In Kolkata, the iconic Salt Lake Stadium—where Messi last played in 2011 when Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0 in a FIFA international friendly—will once again take centre stage. This time, the venue will host concerts and special events, with Messi expected to share the spotlight with Indian sporting greats including Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Mumbai will see Messi headline the Padel GOAT Cup, a celebrity-studded event rumoured to feature Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and leading Bollywood actors.
The tour has been secured by promoter Satadru Dutta following successful discussions with Messi’s camp and local authorities.
In a separate development, Argentina’s national team has added India to its November FIFA international window. The reigning world champions are scheduled to play in Kerala between 10–18 November, although the opponents and final venue are yet to be confirmed.
