Lionel Messi Set to Visit India: Full Schedule, Cities, Events & Ticket Prices Revealed

Messi is expected to make his first visit to Kolkata in over ten years, kicking off a whirlwind tour across Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources told news agencies that all details—including Wankhede Stadium booking—are settled, but Messi’s official confirmation is still awaited. A source said, “Everything is set; we expect Messi to announce it soon on social media.”

Kolkata Visit Includes Monument, Concert, and Friendly Game

According to the schedule, Messi will arrive in Kolkata around 10 pm on December 12 and stay until the next night—this is his longest stop. On December 13 at 9 am, he is scheduled to attend a meet-and-greet, followed by the unveiling of a 70-foot statue at Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road. Organisers say this will be the tallest statue of him anywhere on the globe. Later, at Eden Gardens from noon to 1:30 pm, he will take part in the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup, a friendly seven‑a‑side game featuring softball play with celebrities like Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, and Bhaichung Bhutia. “It’s a tribute and celebration with Messi,” as per the source information. Tickets are expected to cost at least ₹3,500 each. The entire stadium (68,000 capacity) will host musical tributes and Messi’s 1-hour and 20-minute presence. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is likely to felicitate him during the event at iconic Eden Gardens.

Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi: More Events and Meetings

On December 13, Messi will head to Ahmedabad for a private event at the Adani Foundation’s Shantigram campus. The next day, December 14, he will be in Mumbai for a meet-and-greet at CCI at 3:45 PM, followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium starting at 5:30 PM. Despite rumours, the source confirmed Messi will not play cricket with MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli; the event will be strictly softball play with Indian celebrities. He will also meet Indian football players, including Sunil Chhetri, depending on availability. On December 15, Messi will be in the national capital of India, New Delhi, to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by his concert at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi. At each city he will host a 30‑40‑minute “masterclass” with children to inspire young footballers.

No Events in Kerala, Reminiscing 2011’s Messi Fever

As per the source information, there will be no programs scheduled in Kerala, despite earlier reports. The legend is expected to travel with a large entourage, though details remain undisclosed.

Messi first visited India's Kolkata city in August 2011. He played an exhibition match against Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium, helping his team win 1–0. That trip created “Messi Fever,” with fans lining streets in jerseys and filling the 75,000‑seat stadium.

Proposed Itinerary:

Dec 12: Arrival in Kolkata (10 pm)

Dec 13 (Kolkata): Meet‑and‑greet (9 am); statue unveiling at Lake Town Sribhumi; GOAT Concert & GOAT Cup at Eden Gardens (noon–1:30 pm)

Dec 13 (Evening): Private event at Shantigram, Ahmedabad

December 14 (Mumbai): A meet-and-greet is scheduled at CCI at 3:45 PM, followed by the GOAT Concert at Wankhede Stadium starting at 5:30 PM.

December 15 (New Delhi): Scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by the GOAT Concert at Feroz Shah Kotla at 2:15 PM.