India readies for Lionel Messi's first visit in a decade
Sources close to the event confirmed to PTI that all arrangements, including the booking of Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, are in place. However, official confirmation from Messi himself is awaited, expected via his social media channels soon.
According to the tentative itinerary, Messi will arrive in Kolkata late on December 12, around 10 PM, and stay for two days — the longest stop on his whirlwind tour.
Kolkata leg: Statue unveiling and GOAT Cup
Messi's day in Kolkata on December 13 will begin at 9 AM with a meet-and-greet event, followed by the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of the football star at Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road. Organisers say this will be the tallest statue of the World Cup winner anywhere in the world.
Later, Messi will head to Eden Gardens for the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup from 12 noon to 1:30 PM. The GOAT Cup will feature a seven-sided softball, soft-touch game with Indian sports and entertainment personalities such as Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, and Bhaichung Bhutia.
'It will be a celebration of Messi's legacy and a masterclass session with kids,' a source explained. The event will be ticketed, with prices expected to start around Rs 3,500, and the venue can hold up to 68,000 spectators. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also expected to felicitate Messi during the Eden Gardens event.
Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi: Packed itinerary
On the evening of December 13, Messi is slated to travel to Ahmedabad for a private event hosted by the Adani Foundation at their Shantigram headquarters.
December 14 will see Messi in Mumbai for a meet-and-greet at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) at 3:45 PM, followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium from 5:30 PM. Contrary to media speculation, Messi will not participate in a cricket match with MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli. Instead, he will play only in a softball game alongside Indian celebrities. He is also scheduled to interact with the Indian football team, including captain Sunil Chhetri.
On December 15, Messi will arrive in New Delhi for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will then participate in the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium at 2:15 PM.
Masterclasses and more
At each city stop, Messi is expected to conduct football masterclasses aimed at inspiring young Indian players. These sessions will last around 30 to 40 minutes and include interaction with children and budding footballers.
The source also clarified that there will be no events planned in Kerala, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.
Messi is anticipated to travel with a large entourage, including footballers, though specific details remain under wraps.
A glimpse back: Messi's first visit in 2011
Messi last visited India in August 2011, arriving in Kolkata to play an exhibition match against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium. The match was won 1-0 by Messi's team and sparked 'Messi fever' across the city, with thousands of fans flocking to see the star.
Messi Mania 2.0: The itinerary
December 12 (Kolkata): Arrival around 10 PM
December 13 (Kolkata): 9 AM meet and greet; 70-ft statue unveiling; 12–1:30 PM GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup; Evening private event in Ahmedabad
December 14 (Mumbai): 3:45 PM meet and greet at CCI; 5:30 PM GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede
December 15 (New Delhi): Meeting with PM Modi; 2:15 PM GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla
If all goes as planned, Messi's visit promises to be a historic celebration of football in India, reigniting the passion of millions of fans across the country.
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