In a major development for Indian football fans, legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi is all set to visit India in December 2025, along with the rest of the Argentina national team. This landmark visit will not only be a celebration of Messi’s illustrious career but also a unique opportunity to promote football in India, a country where cricket has traditionally dominated the sporting landscape.
This will mark Messi’s second official visit to India, with his first visit taking place in September 2011, when he captained Argentina for the first time in a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The 2025 tour promises to be grander, with a packed schedule of events across three major Indian cities: Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Tour Dates and Itinerary Confirmed
According to reliable media reports, Messi’s visit to India will take place from December 13 to December 15, 2025. During these three days, Messi will participate in a series of ceremonial events, football promotions, and high-profile meetings.
His itinerary includes:
- Kolkata (December 13)
- Delhi (December 14)
- Mumbai (December 15)
Each city will host different events aimed at honoring the football icon, while also using his visit to boost football development and interest among Indian youth.
Messi’s First Stop: Kolkata – A City with Football in Its Heart
Messi’s tour will begin in Kolkata, a city known as the football capital of India. Kolkata has a long-standing football culture and is home to legendary clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
Eden Gardens Ceremony
One of the most anticipated events will take place at Eden Gardens, primarily a cricket stadium but a historic venue that will host a special tribute ceremony for Messi. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also expected to attend and felicitate Messi for his contributions to world football.
Football Clinic for Youth
During his time in Kolkata, Messi will also inaugurate a football clinic—an initiative aimed at nurturing young football talent in India. The clinic will provide training sessions, motivational talks, and skill-building workshops, especially for underprivileged children.
7-a-Side Tournament
A 7-a-side football tournament will also be held in his honor, involving youth academies, school teams, and local clubs. This tournament is expected to promote grassroots football and instill enthusiasm for the sport at a community level.
Delhi: A Diplomatic and Sporting Engagement
On December 14, Messi will travel to the national capital, New Delhi, for the second leg of his tour. While the exact details of his engagements are still being finalized, several high-profile meetings and visits have been proposed.
Possible Meeting with PM Narendra Modi
According to sources, Messi is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a meeting that could highlight the growing cultural and sports diplomacy between Argentina and India. Such an encounter could also be a step forward in bilateral relations, especially in sports exchange and collaboration.
Stadium Visit: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or Feroz Shah Kotla
Messi may also visit either the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which has hosted major football events like the FIFA U-17 World Cup, or the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, a renowned cricket ground. The visit is expected to showcase the potential of India as a destination for international football events.
Mumbai: A Star-Studded Finale
The final stop on Messi’s Indian tour will be Mumbai, the financial capital and home to Bollywood and India’s sports elite. On December 15, Messi is expected to participate in a glittering event that will bring together top Indian athletes, celebrities, and dignitaries.
Meeting with Sachin Tendulkar
One of the most exciting parts of the Mumbai leg is Messi’s anticipated meeting with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket” in India. This meeting of two sports icons will symbolize the intersection of football and cricket and is expected to be a historic photo opportunity.
Celebrity Gala Event
A star-studded dinner or gala night is also on the cards, with Bollywood celebrities, athletes, and public figures expected to attend. The event will serve as a closing celebration for Messi’s tour and may also include announcements related to future Argentina-India football collaborations.
Friendly Match in India: October 2025 Preview
Before Messi’s December visit, the Argentina national football team is also expected to play a friendly international match in India in October 2025. Reports suggest the game will likely take place in Kerala, a state known for its deep-rooted passion for football.
Although the opposing team and stadium for the friendly match have not been officially announced, Kerala’s Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi is a likely venue, given its history of hosting high-profile matches and a strong local football following.
It is widely expected that Messi will lead the team during the October friendly, marking his return to competitive football on Indian soil after 14 years.
Background: Messi’s Previous Visit to India in 2011
Messi first visited India in September 2011 as part of a friendly between Argentina and Venezuela, held at the Salt Lake Stadium (officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan) in Kolkata. The match was notable for two reasons:
- Messi captained Argentina for the first time.
- Argentina won the match 1-0, and fans witnessed the magic of Messi live on Indian soil.
The event was a massive success and is still fondly remembered by Indian football fans. Messi’s 2025 return promises to be even bigger, especially with his status as a FIFA World Cup winner in 2022.
Why Messi’s Visit is Significant for Indian Football
1. Promoting the Sport
India has long aspired to make a mark in world football. A visit by Lionel Messi—arguably the greatest footballer of all time—brings immense visibility and motivation to Indian players and fans.
2. Inspiring the Next Generation
Football clinics and community events organized during Messi’s visit will directly benefit thousands of young aspiring footballers. Exposure to international stars can change the trajectory of youth involvement in sports.
3. Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Messi’s meetings with Indian leaders and dignitaries will highlight India’s growing stature as a host of global sporting events and will deepen cultural exchanges between Argentina and India.
Conclusion: A Historic Moment for Indian Sports
Lionel Messi’s confirmed visit to India in December 2025 is not just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of global football excellence, a catalyst for football development in India, and a moment of pride for fans across the country. From Kolkata’s passionate football streets to Mumbai’s elite gatherings, Messi’s tour is set to leave a lasting impact on India’s sports landscape.
Indian fans now have a date to look forward to, and the countdown has already begun.
