Kolkata is poised to welcome global football icon Lionel Messi this December as part of his multi-city India tour, marking his return to the country more than a decade after his last visit.
If plans proceed as scheduled, the City of Joy will be the first stop on Messi’s four-day tour, which will also take him to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
The visit is expected to conclude with a high-profile meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to sources involved in the planning, logistical arrangements have been finalised, including the booking of key venues such as Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
While an official confirmation from Messi or his representatives is still pending, organisers are confident that an announcement will be made soon, likely via the footballer’s official social media platforms.
As per the proposed itinerary, Messi is expected to land in Kolkata on the night of December 12.
His stay in the city will extend into December 13, making it the longest leg of his India visit.
His day will begin with a meet-and-greet event in the morning, followed by the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of himself at Lake Town’s Sribhumi grounds on VIP Road.
Organisers claim this would be the tallest statue of the World Cup-winning captain anywhere in the world.
The celebrations will continue at Eden Gardens, where Messi will take part in the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup, scheduled between noon and 1:30 pm.
The event, described as a celebratory showcase, will feature Messi in a symbolic match alongside Indian sporting icons such as Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, Bhaichung Bhutia, and John Abraham.
Billed as a “celebration play,” it will use a soft ball and feature a light-hearted format, rather than a competitive football match.
The event is expected to draw a full house, with Eden Gardens opening all its stands to accommodate up to 68,000 spectators. Tickets are expected to be priced from Rs 3,500 upwards.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to felicitate Messi during the Eden Gardens ceremony.
Later that evening, Messi is scheduled to fly to Ahmedabad for a private event hosted by the Adani Foundation at their Shantigram campus.
The following day, December 14, will be spent in Mumbai, where he is expected to interact with the Indian football team and hold a meet-and-greet session at the Cricket Club of India.
The evening will see another edition of the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium.
While some media reports speculated that Messi might take part in a seven-a-side cricket match with MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, sources have denied this, clarifying that the Mumbai event will follow the same celebration format seen in Kolkata, focused on football.
Messi’s final destination will be New Delhi, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.
This will be followed by a GOAT Concert and Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, scheduled for 2:15 pm.
Across all locations, Messi is expected to host short masterclass sessions for children, aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indian footballers.
These sessions will include brief interactions and skills demonstrations, focusing on motivation and encouragement.
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Contrary to earlier speculation, Messi will not be making a stop in Kerala, as confirmed by event organisers.
He is expected to travel with a sizable entourage, possibly including fellow footballers, though further details remain undisclosed.
Messi’s last visit to India was in 2011, when he led Argentina in an exhibition match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The event drew massive crowds and sparked a wave of “Messi mania” in the city.
His return is expected to generate similar enthusiasm, as fans across India prepare to welcome one of football’s greatest legends.
