Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata late on December 12, 2025, launching his highly anticipated GOAT India Tour amid extraordinary fanfare. Thousands of supporters braved the winter chill at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to welcome Messi, alongside teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The three-day tour will cover four major cities: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, including exhibition matches, fan interactions, and cultural events.
In Kolkata, Messi inaugurated a 70-foot statue of himself, making it the world’s tallest tribute to the football icon. Fans also flocked to Salt Lake Stadium to witness a friendly exhibition match, though crowd management challenges caused minor delays. The tour highlights the rising popularity of football in cricket-dominated India and has attracted significant sponsorships, media coverage, and live-streaming opportunities.
Messi’s presence has energized Indian football enthusiasts, inspiring young talent and boosting interest in grassroots football programs. Economically, the tour is expected to generate substantial tourism revenue, from hotel bookings to merchandise sales, while corporate sponsors benefit from heightened brand exposure. Messi’s previous visit in 2011 laid the foundation for growing football culture, and this tour reinforces his enduring global appeal.
In addition to sports events, Messi and his team are scheduled to participate in charitable activities, promoting youth sports and social development initiatives. The GOAT Tour not only celebrates Messi’s illustrious career but also serves as a cultural bridge, engaging fans across generations and fostering international goodwill.