Lionel Messi set to visit India: Massive welcome planned in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad

Indian football fans may soon witness a historic moment as global football icon Lionel Messi is poised to return to India after more than a decade — with Kolkata potentially being the first stop in his much-anticipated tour across four major cities, PTI reported.

Sources close to the development revealed that key arrangements have already been finalised, including venue bookings in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. However, an official confirmation from Messi himself is still awaited.

“Everything is in place; we’re now just waiting for Messi to make a formal announcement, likely through his social media channels,” a source told PTI. “The itinerary has been agreed upon in principle, and the announcement could come at any moment.”

According to the tentative schedule, Messi is expected to land in Kolkata on the night of December 12 around 10pm, where he will spend the longest stretch of his Indian tour — two days and one night.

On December 13, festivities will begin at 9am with a meet-and-greet session, followed by the unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue of Messi at Lake Town’s Sribhumi on VIP Road. Organisers claim this will be the tallest and first-of-its-kind statue dedicated to the World Cup-winning Argentine.

Later that day, the Eden Gardens will host a "GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup" from 12 noon to 1.30pm, celebrating Messi’s career and achievements in the presence of sports and entertainment celebrities, including former India captain Sourav Ganguly.

Following his Kolkata leg, Messi is scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad on the evening of December 13 for a private event organised by the Adani Foundation at its Shantigram headquarters.

The following day, December 14, will see Messi in Mumbai, where he will attend a meet-and-greet at the Cricket Club of India at 3.45pm, followed by the GOAT Cup and Concert at Wankhede Stadium starting at 5.30pm.

While some reports had suggested Messi might participate in a cricket match with Indian legends MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, organisers clarified that there will be no competitive cricket, but rather symbolic interactions and celebrations of his legacy.

He is also expected to meet the Indian national football team, including captain Sunil Chhetri, subject to their availability.

Messi’s tour will conclude in New Delhi on December 15, where he is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Later that day, he will take part in the final leg of the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium at 2.15pm.

At every venue, Messi will conduct a special “masterclass” session with children, aimed at inspiring young footballers. Each session will feature 30 to 40 minutes of interaction and coaching, forming a key part of the tour’s youth-focused agenda.

Contrary to earlier reports, the source confirmed there will be no events held in Kerala. Messi is also expected to travel with a sizeable entourage, potentially including fellow footballers, although specific details remain confidential.

If confirmed, the visit promises to be a landmark event in Indian sporting history — a celebration of one of football’s greatest icons and an inspiration for a generation of aspiring athletes.