Lionel Messi was in India in December 2025 as part of a private, multi‑city promotional tour called the “GOAT Tour” (Greatest of All Time Tour), organized by a sports entrepreneur to celebrate football and engage with fans across the country.
Purpose of the Visit
Messi’s trip was not an official match or FIFA event, but a commercial and cultural tour featuring public appearances, youth football clinics, and promotional activities in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The main goal was to connect with Indian fans, promote football at the grassroots level, and support various charitable and sporting initiatives in the country.
A key highlight was the unveiling of a 70‑foot statue of Messi in Kolkata, which he had virtually inaugurated before arriving in person at Salt Lake Stadium. The tour also included events like a celebrity football match, a musical ceremony, and a padel tournament, aiming to blend sport, entertainment, and fan engagement.
Why India?
India has a massive football fan base, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa, and has hosted several global football legends in the past (like Maradona and Pelé). The tour’s organizer, sports entrepreneur Satadru Dutta, spent nearly two years negotiating with Messi’s team, using Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win and a prior visit by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to build trust and credibility.
The GOAT Tour was designed to capitalize on Messi’s global stardom and India’s growing appetite for international football events, while also creating a legacy through youth clinics and community projects.
What Happened in Kolkata
Messi’s first stop was Kolkata on 13 December 2025, where he was scheduled to spend about 45 minutes at Salt Lake Stadium. However, due to severe overcrowding, security lapses, and fans storming the pitch, his appearance was cut short to around 20 minutes for safety reasons.
Fans who had paid high ticket prices (starting around ₹4,300) were left disappointed, as many couldn’t see Messi clearly amid a crowd of VIPs and security. The chaos led to chairs and bottles being thrown, pitch invasions, and the event’s chief organizer being detained by police.
Next Stops
Despite the Kolkata incident, the tour continued as planned in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, with Messi participating in football clinics, photo sessions, and other fan events. The aim remained to give Indian fans a rare chance to see and interact with one of football’s greatest players, while promoting the sport across the country.
