Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to India has received its final seal of approval with the Argentine superstar set to kick off his three-city tour in Kolkata on December 12, promoter of the event Satadru Dutta
The football-mad city of Kolkata will be the first stop in Messi’s whirlwind trip named ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
The visit will conclude after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on December 15.
This will be the Argentine great’s first trip to India since 2011 when he visited the country with his national to play a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
“I got the authorisation and afterwards made it official (on social media). Messi will post any day between August 28 and September 1 with the official poster with all details and a small introduction of his tour,” Dutta told PTI, confirming Messi’s visit.
Dutta met Messi’s father earlier this year to present the proposal, and on February 28, Messi himself met him at his residence for a 45-minute discussion.
“I explained the plan and what we wanted to do. He seemed convinced it was worth it and committed to coming,” Dutta said.
Messi’s entourage may also include Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets among others but Dutta refused to divulge any name.
Messi’s visit will feature masterclass with children in each city, aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indian footballers.
He will land in Kolkata on the night of December 12 and spend two days and one night in his longest stop on the tour.
His December 13 schedule begins with a meet-and-greet in the morning, which will also feature a special food and tea festival.
“He’s a lover of mate (Argentine herbal tea), so I am doing a fusion of Argentine and Indian Assam tea. This will be an extra addition, to be held on the sidelines of the meet-and-greet event on December 13 morning at his hotel (Taj Bengal).
“All Bengali fish, including hilsa, and sweet delicacies will be there on the platter for the food festival,” Dutta revealed.
