Football icon Lionel Messi is currently on a highly anticipated tour of India, culminating in the unveiling of a 21-meter statue in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The visit, dubbed the “GOAT Tour,” has ignited a frenzy among Indian fans eager to see the Argentine superstar and Inter Miami forward. Messi’s trip includes friendly matches, meetings with prominent figures, and a celebration of his illustrious career.
The unveiling ceremony, taking place in Kolkata, will be conducted virtually due to security concerns, according to reports. A dedicated “Hola Messi” fan zone has been established in the city, featuring a life-sized replica of the player seated on a throne and a recreation of his home, complete with family mannequins. This demonstrates the immense popularity of the sport and Messi specifically within India.
Messi’s India Visit: A Celebration of Football
The tour marks a significant moment for football in India, a nation with a growing passion for the sport. While cricket remains the dominant force, football’s popularity is steadily increasing, particularly among younger generations. Messi’s presence is expected to further boost the profile of football and inspire aspiring players across the country.
The statue itself depicts Messi holding the World Cup trophy aloft, a tribute to his crowning achievement with Argentina in 2022. Sculptor Monti Paul stated the structure took 40 days to complete and represents his largest sculpture to date. The monument is intended as a lasting symbol of Messi’s impact on the game and his global appeal.
Fan Reaction and Schedule
The anticipation surrounding Messi’s visit is palpable. Longtime fan Samir Nandy expressed his excitement, stating the visit is a “dream come true.” He highlighted Messi’s resilience as a key factor in his admiration for the player. This sentiment is widely shared among the Indian fanbase.
Following the statue unveiling in Kolkata, Messi will participate in a short friendly match. His itinerary then takes him to Hyderabad, where he will attend a concert in his honor and play another friendly game. A potential meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled during his stop in New Delhi.
This tour comes on the heels of Messi’s recent recognition as the Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year, after leading Inter Miami to the MLS title. The 38-year-old continues to perform at an elite level, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His continued success is a key factor driving interest in his appearances.
Messi previously visited India in 2011 for a friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria. He recalled fond memories of that trip, noting the enthusiastic support of the Indian fans. This past experience likely influenced his willingness to return and engage with the growing football community. The 2011 match helped to raise the profile of the sport in the country.
The visit also highlights the increasing globalization of football and the growing commercial opportunities in emerging markets like India. Inter Miami and Messi’s sponsors are likely benefiting from the increased exposure in the region. This trend is expected to continue as football’s popularity expands globally.
Looking ahead, Messi will return to the United States to continue playing for Inter Miami and prepare for Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in North America in June-July 2026. The impact of this tour on his fanbase in India and the broader promotion of football within the country remains to be seen, but it is expected to be substantial. Further details regarding the friendly matches and the potential meeting with Prime Minister Modi are anticipated in the coming days.
Secondary keywords used: Argentina, Inter Miami, football.
