Football legend Lionel Messi has arrived in India, marking the start of his much-anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025. The Argentine superstar landed in Kolkata in the early hours of December 13, drawing thousands of excited fans to the airport despite the cold weather. Many supporters waited for hours to catch even a brief glimpse of the world-famous player.
Messi’s visit to India comes after 14 years his last trip was in 2011 and he will travel across four cities over three days: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
In Kolkata, fans showed great enthusiasm, chanting his name and waving flags. Some supporters even cancelled personal plans, like honeymoons, to be part of this historic moment.
As part of the tour, a 70-foot statue of Messi has been installed in the city to honor his achievements in football, and officials say Messi and his team have expressed happiness about the tribute.
However, not all moments were smooth. At the Salt Lake Stadium, a scheduled public appearance by Messi was brief and tightly controlled, with heavy security around him. Some fans were frustrated that they couldn’t see him up close, and a few attendees reacted by breaking chairs and throwing objects in protest.
After Kolkata, Messi is expected to continue his tour with events in Hyderabad. including a special 7-a-7 football match with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy followed by stops in Mumbai and New Delhi.
The GOAT India Tour is not only about fan interactions but also aims to promote football in India, bringing world-class experiences to local fans and young athletes alike.