One of the world’s greatest sporting icons, Lionel Messi, has arrived in India. He landed in Kolkata on Saturday, sparking massive excitement as fans thronged the airport, surrounding streets, and the Hyatt Regency hotel to welcome the Argentine legend. The visit marks the start of Messi’s whirlwind GOAT India Tour – a packed three-day journey across four cities, featuring public appearances, football-related events, and high-profile engagements.
What Is Lionel Messi Doing in India?
December 13 (Day 1): Saturday
#WATCH | West Bengal: Star footballer Lionel Messi arrives at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
A friendly match and a felicitation ceremony will be organised here.
(Video Source: DD Sports) pic.twitter.com/qEDk3cKH9U
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Lionel Messi kicked off his India visit on Saturday with a private, closed-door interaction with sponsors.
The day’s schedule then moved to a virtual unveiling of his towering 70-foot statue, after which the Argentine superstar headed to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium for the next set of engagements.
City of Joy welcomes the G.O.A.T 🐐
Lionel Messi enters a packed Salt Lake Stadium 💙⚽ pic.twitter.com/gfusrLRhL2
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 13, 2025
Messi Meets Shah Rukh Khan
Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who had earlier confirmed his presence in Kolkata, met the World Cup-winning footballer during the event.
VIDEO | Kolkata: Football icon Lionel Messi to virtually unveil his 70-foot statue from Salt Lake stadium, with West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan present at the event.#LionelMessi #Kolkata #Football
(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/dqISIwMgl4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2025
He was also slated to meet Mamata Banerjee and former India captain Sourav Ganguly. However, due to massive unrest at the stadium and related security concerns, Messi reportedly headed to the airport ahead of schedule, cutting short his remaining commitments before departing for Hyderabad.
Lionel Messi Hyderabad Schedule
Messi is now heading to Hyderabad for the evening segment of his tour at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The Hyderabad schedule includes a brief exhibition game, a special football coaching session for children, and a formal felicitation. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is also expected to attend the event briefly.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Net Worth 2025: Career earnings, endorsements and luxury homes
Lionel Messi Mumbai Schedule
December 14 (Day 2): Sunday
The tour will continue to Mumbai later the same day, with Messi set to be the central attraction at an event at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The Mumbai stop will also feature a charitable fashion presentation involving Messi alongside Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, following a Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India, bringing together sport, philanthropy and star power.
December 15 (Day 3): Monday
The final stop of the tour will be New Delhi, where Messi is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The schedule in the capital also includes a ceremonial honouring of Minerva Academy’s teams as well as a nine-a-side celebrity football match to bring the visit to a close.
The Argentina star will officially conclude his India tour on December 15.
