Messi’s India tour shifts to Hyderabad after Kerala cancellation.
Lionel Messi returns to India after 14 years, joined by close friends and teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Messi’s India ‘GOAT Tour’ Expands: Hyderabad Added After Kerala Cancellation
Kolkata, November 3, 2025: Lionel Messi’s much-awaited ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’ has grown even bigger. In a major update that has thrilled fans across southern India, Hyderabad has officially been added as the newest stop on the Argentine legend’s four-city tour — a decision made after the cancellation of Argentina’s proposed friendly in Kerala.
The move, organisers say, was made to ensure that football lovers in the southern region are not “deprived” of witnessing Messi’s magic live. “With this, every part of India is covered,” said event organiser and sports entrepreneur Satadru Dutta. There is a massive Messi fan base in Kerala, Chennai, and Hyderabad — so this inclusion was necessary.”
Dutta explained that after the Kerala government withdrew from hosting the November 17 friendly in Kochi, Hyderabad emerged as the natural choice for the southern leg of the tour. Kerala’s event getting cancelled meant the south fans were losing their chance — so we brought Hyderabad in,” he said. “It’s not just another stop; it’s going to be a grand festival of football.”
Hyderabad’s Big Moment
The Hyderabad leg of the GOAT Tour will be held on December 13, a day after the Kolkata event. Dutta confirmed that the programme will take place either at the Gachibowli Stadium or the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, both known for their capacity and sporting infrastructure. Top southern film stars will also join the celebrations. It’s going to be unforgettable.”
Bookings for the Hyderabad event will open within a week, and organisers expect tickets to sell out quickly given the region’s passionate football following.
Messi’s Arrival and Tour Schedule
Messi is expected to land in India around midnight on December 12 or in the early hours of December 13. The Argentine captain will be accompanied by his long-time friends and teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, both of whom have already confirmed their participation in the tour.
Messi’s return to India marks a nostalgic moment for fans — it’s been 14 years since he last played on Indian soil, in a 2011 friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. This time, however, the tour promises far more than just football.
A Nationwide Celebration
The GOAT Tour, conceptualised by Dutta, is designed as a multi-city celebration of Messi’s legacy, blending sports, entertainment, and culture. Each stop will include celebrity football matches, musical performances, masterclasses for children, and meet-and-greet sessions for fans. “It’s not only about Messi’s greatness on the pitch, but also about inspiring the next generation of Indian footballers,” Dutta said.
Kolkata, often called India’s “football capital,” will kick off the tour on December 12 with a packed day of events at the 68,000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium. The excitement is already through the roof — Dutta confirmed that tickets for the Kolkata leg, starting at ₹4,366, are nearly sold out. “Kolkata is Messi’s second home. The energy here is something even he remembers from 2011,” Dutta said.
In New Delhi, where the Arun Jaitley Stadium can seat around 28,000 fans, ticket prices begin at ₹7,670, and seats are reportedly filling fast. The Delhi leg will also include a special meeting between Messi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15, marking a historic moment for Indian sports diplomacy.
Revised Itinerary
December 12–13 (Kolkata)
- Arrival at midnight or early morning
- Meet & Greet: 9:30 – 10:40 a.m.
- GOAT Cup at Salt Lake Stadium: 11:30 a.m. – 1:10 p.m.
- Statue unveiling at Sreebhumi, Lake Town
- Departs for Hyderabad: 2:15 p.m.
December 13 (Hyderabad)
- Meet & Greet: 5 p.m.
- GOAT Cup: 7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. (at Gachibowli or Rajiv Gandhi Stadium)
December 14 (Mumbai)
- Meet & Greet: 12 noon
- Padel GOAT Cup inauguration
- GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium: 5:30 p.m.
December 15 (New Delhi)
- Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- GOAT Cup at Arun Jaitley Stadium: 2:15 p.m. A Dream Tour for Indian Fans
For millions of Indian football lovers, the GOAT Tour is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It brings together not only Lionel Messi but also two of his closest companions from Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad.
From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the tech hubs of Hyderabad, the glamour of Mumbai, and the power corridors of Delhi — Messi’s four-city journey promises to unite India under one anthem: “Messi! Messi! Messi!”