For decades, India has been described as a “sleeping giant” of world football—a country with passion but little global recognition in the beautiful game. Now, with Lionel Messi set to return to India for the GOAT Tour 2025, the nation has an opportunity to reclaim its honour, rekindle its footballing pride, and inspire a new generation of fans.
On Thursday, Messi confirmed his much-anticipated participation in the four-city tour, calling it an “honour” to revisit India. “It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there—the fans were fantastic. India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game,” Messi said in an official statement.
A comeback after 14 years
Messi last played on Indian soil on September 2, 2011, when he captained Argentina in a FIFA international friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. That night, the city transformed into a footballing carnival, as over 85,000 fans witnessed history. Fourteen years later, the same venue will once again host the world champion—this time not just for a match but for a grand celebration of football, culture, and fandom.
On December 13, 2025, Messi will headline the “GOAT Concert” and “GOAT Cup” at the Salt Lake Stadium, where he is expected to share the stage with Indian sporting icons Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes. It will be the first stop of his whirlwind tour across Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Beyond football: A cultural spectacle
The GOAT Tour goes far beyond the sport itself. Organisers have designed it as a multi-layered cultural extravaganza—featuring concerts, fan meet-and-greets, football masterclasses, food and tea festivals, and even a padel exhibition at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.
Tickets are expected to start from ₹3,500, ensuring accessibility to fans from all walks of life. A 25-foot-high mural and Messi’s biggest-ever statue are also set to be unveiled during Kolkata’s Durga Puja festivities, symbolising his larger-than-life impact on the sport.
In Mumbai, Messi will participate in the Padel GOAT Cup, where a star-studded line-up could feature Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and leading Bollywood actors. The blending of cinema, cricket, and football is expected to draw massive crowds and global media attention, turning the event into one of the biggest sporting spectacles ever staged in India.
Football’s revival in India
India once boasted a proud footballing tradition. Kolkata clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal wrote glorious chapters in Asian football, while legends such as P.K. Banerjee, Chuni Goswami, and Bhaichung Bhutia carried the torch across generations. Yet in the modern era, cricket overshadowed football’s popularity, and India struggled to make its mark internationally.
Messi’s return comes at a crucial juncture. His presence could re-ignite passion among millions of young Indians, encourage grassroots participation, and restore pride in a sport where India still yearns for global recognition. Promoter Satadru Dutta, who secured the GOAT Tour rights earlier this year, emphasised that the event is not merely entertainment but an opportunity to rebrand India as a footballing hub.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment where India can showcase its passion to the world. Messi’s presence will inspire the youth and prove that football has a home here,” Dutta said.
Kerala friendly adds to excitement
Adding to the buzz, the Argentina national team has included India in its November FIFA international window, with a friendly planned in Kerala between November 10–18. Though it is uncertain whether Messi himself will feature, the possibility of two visits within two months has electrified Indian fans.
“The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025,” the AFA confirmed. “The second, in November, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India.” Even if Messi skips the Kerala game, Argentina’s presence alone signals growing global recognition of India’s footballing potential.
Restoring honour through the GOAT
At 38, Messi remains the most celebrated footballer on the planet—an Olympic gold medallist, a 2022 World Cup-winning captain, and the symbol of footballing genius. His decision to return to India is more than just a commercial tour—it is a statement that India matters on the global football map.
The GOAT Tour 2025 could be the turning point for Indian football, uniting fans across regions, re-energising the domestic scene, and inspiring children to dream beyond cricket. If football is to regain its lost honour in India, Messi’s magic might just be the spark that lights the way.