During the tour, the legend will attend concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, football masterclasses, and even a padel exhibition at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium
Lionel Messi (Pic: File Pic)
Argentina's legendary football star, Lionel Messi, on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025.
On his return to India after 14 years, Messi said it was an honour to revisit a nation passionate about football and that he was looking forward to interacting with the new generation of players.
"It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago -- the fans were fantastic," said Messi.
"India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game," he added.
The organisers of the tour had already unveiled the itinerary on August 15. Messi's statement marked the first confirmation from the footballer himself.
During the tour, he will attend concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, football masterclasses, and even a padel exhibition at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
The Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata will host Messi's event. During the event, he is expected to meet Indian legendary sports players Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.
Promoter Satadru Dutta, who secured the authorisation earlier this year after meetings with Messi and his father, has promised a spectacle blending Indian and Argentine culture.
A food and tea festival in Kolkata will highlight Messi's fondness for Argentine-made tea, with a special Assam fusion.
In Mumbai, Messi will also attend the 'Padel GOAT Cup' and participate in a celebrity line-up that could include Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Bollywood stars.
Security arrangements are expected to be unprecedented, with both Messi's team and local authorities involved.
Even as Messi prepares for his December commitments, the Argentina national football team has included India in its schedule for a November FIFA international window.
The Lionel Scaloni-coached world champions are set to play a friendly in Kerala between November 10-18, though the opponents and venue are yet to be finalised.
If that visit goes ahead, it could mean Messi making two trips to India within two months. However, it remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old forward will feature in the Kerala match.
(With PTI Inputs)
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