Lionel Messi’s India Visit Focuses on Star Power, Not Competitive Football

Argentine icon Lionel Messi is set to return to India after nearly 14 years, but the visit, unlike his unforgettable 2011 appearance, will showcase glamour rather than footballing brilliance. The G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025, which begins in Kolkata on Saturday and concludes in New Delhi on Monday, is a fully promotional and commercially driven event, with no competitive match on the schedule.

Messi’s maiden visit to India on September 3, 2011 remains etched in Kolkata’s sporting memory. More than 85,000 fans had packed the Salt Lake Stadium, with some even occupying terrace edges, to watch Argentina defeat Venezuela 1-0 in a FIFA friendly. Although Messi did not score, the electrifying atmosphere and his left-foot artistry created a lasting impression on Indian fans.

This time, however, none of that football magic will be repeated. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will make only brief public appearances across four cities Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi during a stay lasting less than 72 hours. His Kolkata appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium is expected to be just 45 minutes long. Even so, the organisers have opened 78,000 seats, with ticket prices rising as high as ₹7,000, sparking questions about whether the city will respond with the same enthusiasm it showed in 2011.

Glamour Takes Centre Stage

The centrepiece of the tour will be a philanthropic fashion event at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Messi will be joined by his long-time teammate Luis Suárez and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. According to the organisers, the show will also include appearances by Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, corporate leaders, and models. Among the confirmed names are Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff and John Abraham. Suárez is also scheduled to participate in a Spanish music performance.

The organisers have requested Messi to bring memorabilia from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, some of which will be auctioned during the Mumbai leg. The event will be preceded by a Padel Cup at the CCI.

Kolkata’s Special Welcome

Kolkata, which has a long tradition of hosting global football greats, will be the first city to welcome Messi. He will stay at a luxury hotel on EM Bypass and will attend a sponsor-only meet-and-greet before heading to the Salt Lake Stadium. The city has also created a new “Messi landmark” on VIP Road, a giant 70-ft statue of him lifting the World Cup Trophy. Due to security concerns and lack of police permission for a public event, the inauguration will be done virtually from his hotel room.

A 25 ft × 20 ft Messi mural—prepared in advance for the 2025 Durga Puja season will also be unveiled. The mural will later be presented to Messi inside the stadium.

From Kolkata, Messi will fly to Hyderabad at 2 pm.

Hyderabad Leg Added After Kochi Cancellation

Hyderabad was added to the tour itinerary after plans for a friendly match in Kochi were scrapped. In Hyderabad, Messi will attend the “GOAT Cup,” a football-themed festival backed by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The event will feature a 7-a-side celebrity match, penalty shootouts, a masterclass for young talents, and a musical tribute.

Delhi Finale and Meeting with PM Modi

Messi will conclude his tour in New Delhi by meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also witness the felicitation of Minerva Academy’s youth players who won the Gothia Cup, Dana Cup and Norway Cup earlier this year. A nine-a-side celebrity match is also planned as part of the Delhi events.

Kolkata’s Legacy of Football Legends

Messi’s visit adds a new chapter to Kolkata’s rich football history. The city has earlier hosted legends such as Pele, who arrived with the New York Cosmos for a historic exhibition match against Mohun Bagan in 1977 and returned again in 2015. Dunga, Bebeto, and Mauro Silva of Brazil, Colombia’s flamboyant goalkeeper Rene Higuita (famous for his scorpion-kick saves), and German great Oliver Kahn whose 2008 farewell match drew more than one lakh spectators have all been welcomed by Kolkata fans. Diego Maradona’s visits in 2008 and 2017 also pulled massive crowds.

Former Footballers Express Disappointment

Despite the excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival, many former Indian footballers say they feel sidelined. Former India and Mohun Bagan midfielder Gautam Sarkar, who famously marked Pele during the 1977 match, said he felt “hurt and insulted” after not being invited.

“Messi is coming only for a handshake. These are all gimmicks. When Pele came, he played with us on the field,” Sarkar told PTI.

Former India defender Subrata Bhattacharya echoed similar disappointment.

Visit Comes Amid Uncertainty in Indian Football

The tour also unfolds at a time when Indian football is dealing with significant challenges. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has yet to secure a commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL). With the season already deep into December, the league’s resumption remains unclear.

Veterans argue that while global stars visiting India generate attention, the country must prioritise strengthening its domestic football structure. “Instead of bringing Messi, the focus should be on improving Indian football and reviving past glory,” Sarkar said.

Messi’s arrival will undoubtedly draw massive attention, but whether the city can relive the passion of 2011 remains uncertain as this time the spotlight is firmly on showbiz rather than sport.