Lionel Messi Lands In India, GOAT Tour Kicks Off Amid Huge Crowds And High Expectations!

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'The GOAT' Lionel Messi is finally in India, and the excitement is palpable. Fans across the country have been waiting over a decade for this moment, and the streets, stadiums, and social media are buzzing with anticipation. Everywhere you look, there's a sense that something extraordinary is happening, the kind of energy that only a global icon can generate.

Photo Credit: Oneindia/Instagram@daznfootball

And while the tour is just getting started, it's clear that this visit is going to leave a mark - not just on the stadiums he steps into, but on the fans who have been counting down to this moment for years. The first two stops, Kolkata and Hyderabad, have already drawn huge crowds, with more cities lined up before the tour wraps up.

Kolkata: An Overwhelming Welcome

The GOAT India Tour opened on December 13 in Kolkata, a city that has long claimed a special connection with football. Ahead of Messi's arrival, a 70-foot statue of the Argentine legend holding the World Cup trophy was installed in the city, becoming a major draw for fans even before the main event. The tribute set the tone for what was always going to be an emotionally charged stop.

At Salt Lake Stadium, thousands of fans arrived hours early, hoping to see Messi in person. The energy inside the venue was undeniable, but the experience didn't unfold as expected. Messi's appearance was brief, visibility was limited for many sections, and crowd movement became difficult to control. As frustration grew, unrest broke out in parts of the stadium, leading to property damage.

Authorities intervened soon after, organisers were questioned, and refunds were announced for affected ticket holders. Despite the disruptions, Messi's brief wave to the crowd - and the scale of the reception in the city - underscored just how deeply he resonates with Indian football fans.

Hyderabad: Back To The Pitch

Later the same day, the tour moved to Hyderabad, where the focus shifted back to football. Messi participated in a seven-a-side exhibition match, engaged with young players, and attended scheduled events with much smoother crowd management. One standout moment was his meeting with Indian political leaders, where he presented a signed Argentina jersey, a small gesture that quickly went viral online.

Mumbai And New Delhi: What's Next

The tour continues with Mumbai on December 14 at Wankhede Stadium, featuring another exhibition match alongside sports figures and celebrities. A padel exhibition and charity-related events are also part of the schedule. The final stop will be in New Delhi on December 15 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where closing appearances and short fan interactions are planned. Organizers are expected to maintain stricter crowd control after what happened in Kolkata.

The Significance Of Messi's Visit

For many Indian fans, Messi has been a distant figure seen only on screens - late-night matches, highlights, and World Cup replays. Now, seeing him live, even briefly, brings a personal connection that years of fandom could only imagine. The tour highlights his presence, shared excitement of his fans, and the celebration of a global icon.

A Celebration To Remember

Despite some hiccups along the way, the GOAT India Tour 2025 has already created moments fans will remember forever. From Kolkata's roaring welcome to Hyderabad's more controlled matches, Messi's presence has turned December into a month of football celebrations. Fans will carry the memories of waves, runs, and smiles long after the tour concludes.