Soccer GOAT Messi mania set to grip India again as Argentine icon embarks on three-city tour
Football legend’s upcoming India tour -- Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi -- is set to be a dream come true for millions of fans and a landmark celebration of football on Indian soil, one that promises inspiration, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
In a historic moment for Indian football fans, global icon and Argentine legend Lionel Messi is set to grace Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14, adding a dazzling new chapter to the venue’s rich legacy.
The Wankhede, best known for hosting India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph, is preparing to welcome one of the greatest footballers in history for a ticketed event organized by Wizcraft, sources from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) told The Times of India.
“The organizers have formally sought permission, which was granted during the recent Apex Council meeting of the MCA,” said a reliable source. “Some of India’s cricketing superstars may also attend the event,” he added.
Messi’s visit to Mumbai is part of a multi-city tour from December 13 to 15, during which the football maestro is expected to appear at grand events in Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, celebrating his legendary career and contributions to the sport.
In Kolkata, Messi is scheduled to be felicitated at the historic Eden Gardens, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee likely to attend. Plans also include a football clinic for children and a “GOAT Cup” seven-a-side tournament organized in Messi’s honor.
Messi’s Indian tour builds on earlier reports confirming that the Argentina national team, led by Messi, is expected to play a friendly match at Kerala’s Greenfield International Stadium in October or November 2025.
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman had announced that the state will host the team as official guests, with full government support.
Currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, 38-year-old Messi remains a towering figure in global football, even in the twilight of his career.
This marks Messi’s second visit to India, his first being in September 2011, when he featured in a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, enthralling Indian fans with his magic.
Across a glittering two-decade career, Messi has shattered records and collected accolades unmatched in the sport’s history: 8 Ballon d’Ors, 6 European Golden Shoes, and recognition by FIFA as the world’s best player eight times.
His team honors are equally astonishing — 45 titles, making him the most decorated player in football history. His personal milestones include the most goals in a calendar year (91), most goals for a single club (672 for Barcelona), most goals in La Liga (474), and the most goal contributions in both the FIFA World Cup (21) and Copa América (32).
Messi has scored over 870 senior career goals and assisted more than 380, combining his goal-scoring brilliance with exceptional playmaking ability.
The pinnacle of Messi’s international success came in 2022, when he led Argentina to a long-awaited FIFA World Cup victory, the country’s first in 36 years—solidifying his status as the greatest of all time.
His upcoming India tour is set to be a dream come true for millions of fans and a landmark celebration of football on Indian soil, one that promises inspiration, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
