Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, is continuing his much-anticipated GOAT Tour across India, with events spanning Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi from December 13 to 15, 2025.
The tour, organized by a private PR agency and unrelated to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), features exhibition matches, charity activities, and celebrity interactions. The AIFF has publicly clarified its non-involvement in the planning or execution.
In Kolkata on December 13, Messi arrived at Salt Lake Stadium for a planned tribute program, including a lap of honour and felicitation. He also virtually unveiled a 70-foot iron statue of himself holding the FIFA World Cup trophy at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, South Dum Dum, attended by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam. However, crowd surges led to disruptions, with frustrated spectators throwing bottles and vandalizing facilities after Messi’s brief appearance was cut short. West Bengal authorities announced refunds for ticket holders and initiated an inquiry, while the organizer was detained briefly.
Later that day, Messi proceeded to Hyderabad, landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad. He attended a private meet-and-greet at Falaknuma Palace, followed by events at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. There, he participated in a 7v7 exhibition match, scored during a penalty shootout, and engaged in activities with children alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Messi met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, presenting him with an Argentina jersey, and expressed gratitude for the warm reception. The evening concluded with a musical tribute to his career.
On December 14, Messi is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai for the Padel GOAT Cup at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), followed by a main event at Wankhede Stadium featuring a short competition, halftime musical performance, charity fashion show, and live Spanish music. Celebrities including John Abraham, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jackie Shroff, and Sachin Tendulkar are expected to participate or attend.
The tour wraps up in Delhi on December 15 with further events. Throughout, Messi has been joined by Suárez and De Paul, highlighting exhibitions, youth initiatives, and memorabilia auctions for charity.