Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 12: India is set to host football legend Lionel Messi on a whirlwind three-day visit from December 13 to 15 as part of the GOAT tour. Unlike his last trip to India in 2011, which involved an international friendly in Kolkata, this visit has little connection to the sport that made him a global icon.
Messi’s itinerary spans four cities — Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi — packed with non-footballing activities, from celebrity meet-and-greets to political engagements. Reports indicate he will virtually unveil a 70-foot statue in Kolkata, play a 7v7 exhibition match in Hyderabad with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and interact with Bollywood stars and politicians.
Originally, Messi’s 2025 visit was intended to feature a football match in Kerala, but permissions for the friendly fell through. The revised schedule, orchestrated by sports promoter Satadru Dutta, focuses on high-profile events and media engagements. Despite the absence of football-centric activities, Messi’s presence has drawn corporate sponsors like Adani, HSBC, and JSW.
The visit has highlighted the current state of Indian football. With the Indian Super League (ISL) struggling to secure sponsors and broadcasters, former national captain Sunil Chhetri declined an invitation to meet Messi, citing that it would not meaningfully benefit Indian football.
Public response has been varied: Kolkata and Hyderabad have seen slower ticket sales despite local enthusiasm, while Delhi and Mumbai events have been sold out. Experts note that the GOAT tour aligns with a recent trend of football icons visiting India, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, David Beckham, and Harry Maguire, potentially helping to attract future sponsorships for Indian football.
Former East Bengal captain Anit Ghosh praised promoter Satadru Dutta for successfully executing a complex, nationwide event, contrasting it with the AIFF’s inability to secure even a single sponsor for the ISL. Industry insiders suggest that while celebrity tours generate attention, investments in grassroots training programs abroad might better serve the development of Indian football.
Messi’s India visit, though glamorous, underscores the irony of a football superstar arriving at a time when the sport itself faces challenges in the country.