This visit marks Messi’s return to India after more than ten years and comes at a defining moment in his career. Meghalaya Fans Flock to Kolkata.
Football fever gripped India like never before as Argentine legend Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on December 13 as part of his much-anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025. While the excitement was visible across the country, the passion from the northeastern region stood out prominently. Devoted supporters from Meghalaya travelled to Kolkata, underscoring the deep-rooted love for football in the region and Messi’s unparalleled influence among Indian fans.
Among the sea of supporters were fans from Meghalaya whose journey reflected sheer devotion. One supporter, who has followed Messi since the age of 14, spoke with trembling emotion about what the moment meant to her.
“We are from Meghalaya. We are very excited. We are huge fans of Messi. We are very happy,” she said.
She added, “Thankful that Messi came to Kolkata. We can’t afford to go out to meet him, but we struggled a lot to be here today. I have been a fan since I was 14!”
Messi’s arrival in the early hours of Saturday sparked extraordinary scenes. Thousands of fans stayed up well past midnight, braving the cold to welcome the World Cup-winning captain. Chants of “Messi, Messi” echoed through the streets as Argentina flags fluttered and phone cameras lit up the night.
Children perched on shoulders, drums rolled endlessly, and Argentina jerseys overwhelmed the crowd as security personnel struggled to manage the unprecedented turnout. Messi arrived alongside long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, further fuelling the excitement around the tour.
Despite heavy security arrangements limiting close access, the atmosphere remained celebratory, with fans calling the moment a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A Return After More Than a Decade
This visit marks Messi’s return to India after more than ten years and comes at a defining moment in his career. Fresh from leading Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory and winning a record eighth Ballon d’Or, Messi’s legacy has reached legendary status.
Over the next 72 hours, the global icon is scheduled to travel across four cities, blending fan engagements, football events and high-profile meetings, reinforcing India’s growing stature as a football-loving nation.
Messi’s India tour begins in Kolkata with a sponsors’ meet-and-greet, followed by a grand tribute programme at the Salt Lake Stadium. The event features music, dance and an exhibition match, along with a special “Master Class with Messi” for young footballers. He is also set to take a lap of honour and virtually unveil a 70-foot statue dedicated to him, a rare tribute reflecting his immense popularity.
From Hyderabad to Delhi: A Historic Tour
From Kolkata, Messi will travel to Hyderabad for an evening programme at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, including a short exhibition match and football clinic. The tour then moves to Mumbai, where he will attend an event at the Wankhede Stadium and participate in a philanthropic fashion showcase alongside Suárez and De Paul.
The final leg takes Messi to Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bringing a fitting close to a visit that has already left Indian fans — especially from the football-crazy Northeast — truly spellbound.
Lionel Messi India Tour 2025: Itinerary Highlights
Kolkata
• Sponsors’ meet-and-greet
• Tribute programme at Salt Lake Stadium
• Exhibition match: Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars vs Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars
• “Master Class with Messi” for children
• Lap of honour and virtual unveiling of 70-foot statue
Hyderabad
• Event at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium
• Exhibition match and football clinic
Mumbai
• Event at Wankhede Stadium
• Philanthropic fashion showcase
• Padel Cup at CCI
Delhi
• Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Felicitation of Minerva Academy youth teams
• Nine-a-side celebrity match
