Football fans across India are bracing for what could be a historic visit by Lionel Messi, with Kolkata potentially becoming the first stop in the Argentine icon’s whirlwind multi-city tour. If final confirmations fall into place, Messi will arrive in the City of Joy on December 12 marking his first visit to India since 2011 and kick off a celebration spanning Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Sources privy to the arrangements told PTI that preparations are complete, including the booking of Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. However, they await official word from Messi himself.
“It’s been finalised and we are waiting for an official announcement from Messi, maybe on his social media handle anytime soon,” said the source.
Grand Reception Planned in Kolkata
Messi is expected to land in Kolkata around 10pm on December 12, and stay for two days the longest halt on the tour. His schedule includes a 9am meet-and-greet on December 13, followed by the unveiling of a massive 70-foot statue in Lake Town Sribhumi, VIP Road claimed to be the tallest statue of the World Cup winner anywhere.
He will then proceed to Eden Gardens for the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup from 12 noon to 1.30pm.
“It will be a celebration of Messi, a master class with Messi… He will play the GOAT Cup in a seven-side soft-ball, soft-touch game with Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, Bhaichung Bhutia among others,” the source explained.
“Entire stadium will be open… we can expect a full capacity of 68,000. For 1 hour 20 minutes Messi will be there with musical tribute, masterclass with kids,” the source added.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is expected to felicitate Messi during the Eden event.
Ahmedabad and Mumbai to Follow
Later that evening, Messi will travel to Ahmedabad for a private event hosted by the Adani Foundation. On December 14, he’s set for a meet-and-greet at CCI Mumbai (3.45pm), followed by the GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium at 5.30pm.
“He is not going to play any cricket match in Mumbai… It will be only soft ball and soft touch with him,” the source clarified.
An interaction with the Indian football team, including Sunil Chhetri, is also planned in Mumbai.
“At Mumbai, we have planned an interaction with the Indian football team. Obviously, Sunil Chhetri and the Indian team moment that we have planned in Mumbai as per their respective availabilities,” the source said.
Meeting with PM Modi to Conclude Tour
The tour will conclude in New Delhi on December 15 with a scheduled meeting between Lionel Messi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A final GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup will follow at Feroz Shah Kotla at 2.15pm.
At each stop, Messi is expected to conduct a “masterclass” for children.
“Messi will be imparting masterclass with kids at every centre… The main idea is to celebrate Messi’s success, giving little bit, for instance 30 to 40 minutes to motivate the young generation of players,” the source said.
No Kerala Stop, Entourage Details Under Wraps
There will be no events in Kerala, contrary to earlier speculation.
“However, there will be no event in Kerala as earlier reported,” the source confirmed.
Messi is expected to travel with a large entourage, possibly including fellow footballers, though specific details remain under wraps.
