Messi's last visit to India was 14 years ago. The veteran had visited the country to feature in a FIFA friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium. The legendary footballer will land in Kolkata on the night of December 12 and spend two days and one night in his longest stop on the tour
Lionel Messi (Pic: File Pic)
Argentina's football star Lionel Messi's visit to India has received its final approval, as he is set to kick off his tour in Kolkata on December 12, said the promoter of the event, Satadru Dutta.
"I got the authorisation and afterwards made it official (on social media). Messi will post any day between August 28 and September 1 with the official poster with all details and a small introduction of his tour," Dutta told PTI.
Earlier, PTI had reported that Kolkata will be the first city from where Messi will begin his India tour. The 38-year-old will conclude his tour after meeting India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on December 15.
Messi's last visit to India dates back to 2011. The veteran had visited the country to feature in the FIFA friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Earlier in the year, Dutta had met Messi's father and presented the proposal. Later, on February 28, the footballer himself met him at his residence and had a brief conversation, which lasted for 45 minutes.
"I explained the plan and what we wanted to do. He seemed convinced it was worth it and committed to coming," Dutta added.
Further, he also said that there will be a food and tea festival, and it will include Kolkata's fish and sweet dishes.
"He's a lover of mate (Argentine herbal tea), so I am doing a fusion of Argentine and Indian Assam tea. This will be an extra addition, to be held on the sidelines of the meet-and-greet event on December 13 morning at his hotel (Taj Bengal)," he said.
"All Bengali fish, including hilsa, and sweet delicacies will be there on the platter for the food festival," revealed the event promoter.
Messi's entourage may also include Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, among others, but Dutta refused to divulge any names. His visit will feature a masterclass with children in each city, aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indian footballers.
He will land in Kolkata on the night of December 12 and spend two days and one night in his longest stop on the tour.
(With PTI Inputs)
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