Kolkata, Aug 15 (PTI) Lionel Messi's highly anticipated visit to India has been officially confirmed. The Argentine superstar will begin his three-city "GOAT Tour of India 2025" in Kolkata on December 12, according to the event promoter Satadru Dutta.
The football-loving city of Kolkata will host Messi first, followed by stops in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour will wrap up in New Delhi, where Messi will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15.
This marks Messi's first visit to India since 2011, when he played a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium with his national team.
"The tour has been authorized and Messi's visit was made official on social media. Messi will be posting the official poster and details of his tour between August 28 and September 1," Dutta confirmed to PTI.
Dutta met Messi's father earlier this year to propose the tour, and subsequently had a 45-minute discussion with Messi himself on February 28.
"I laid out the plan during our meeting, and he was convinced it was worthwhile, committing to the visit," Dutta explained.
Messi's entourage may include his Inter Miami teammates such as Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, but Dutta did not disclose any specific names.
As part of the visit, Messi will conduct masterclasses with children in each city to inspire young Indian footballers. He will arrive in Kolkata on the night of December 12 and remain there for two days and one night, making it the longest stop of the tour.
The agenda for December 13 includes a morning meet-and-greet featuring a special food and tea festival.
"Given Messi's love for mate, we will feature a fusion of Argentine and Indian Assam tea, alongside all Bengali fish like hilsa, and local sweet delicacies," shared Dutta. This will take place at the meet-and-greet held at the Taj Bengal hotel.
A key event will be the unveiling of Messi's statue, followed by a 'GOAT Concert' and 'GOAT Cup' at either Eden Gardens or Salt Lake Stadium.
During Durga Puja, a large mural of Messi will be unveiled, allowing fans to post messages and contribute artwork. This mural will later be presented to Messi during the stadium concert.
"We have shortlisted two to three mural locations and are now awaiting police approval," mentioned Dutta.
The Kolkata concert's primary venue will be Eden Gardens, though Salt Lake Stadium is being considered as a backup. "Confirmation of the venue will be finalized within 15 days," Dutta noted.
The GOAT Cup at Eden Gardens will feature a celebratory seven-a-side football match, with Messi teaming up with Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, and Bhaichung Bhutia.
Organizers are preparing for a sell-out audience with ticket prices starting at Rs 3,500, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will felicitate Messi.
Dutta emphasized the importance of security, noting, "The Kolkata Police Commissioner has held me accountable for ensuring flawless arrangements and safety, not only for Messi but also for all attendees."
Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi legs
On the evening of December 13, Messi will head to Ahmedabad for a private event conducted by the Adani Foundation.
In Mumbai on December 14, there will be a meet-and-greet at CCI Brabourne followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at the Wankhede Stadium.
A novel addition is the Mumbai Padel GOAT Cup at the CCI, Brabourne, where Messi, a fan of this racket sport, will play alongside celebrities. Potential participants include Shah Rukh Khan and Leander Paes, with Messi possibly joining for a brief stint on the court.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association plans to create a 'GOAT moment' featuring Messi alongside cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma, as well as Bollywood stars like Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, and Tiger Shroff.
In Delhi on December 15, Messi will meet PM Modi and later participate in the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla. The Delhi District Cricket Association has also extended invitations to Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, known as a "Messi fan," to attend the following a T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala.
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