New Delhi:
In what promises to be one of the most eagerly-awaited moments for Indian football fans, Lionel Messi is set to return to India this winter for a four-city exhibition tour. Fourteen years after his first visit in 2011, the Argentinian legend will once again step foot in the country this time thanks to a mix of good word-of-mouth, nostalgia, and even a Durga Puja statue in Kolkata.
The Plan to Bring Messi Back
The man behind Messi’s India tour is Kolkata-based sports promoter Satadru Dutta, who previously organised events featuring Ronaldinho and Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. According to Dutta, the idea was simple: get Messi’s trusted peers to recommend India.
“The football world is a small circle. When I got Emi Martinez and Ronaldinho to Kolkata, I told them that I am trying to bring Messi to India and your review will matter,” Dutta explained to The Indian Express.
“Touchwood, I executed it in a neat and clean way they gave a very good review to Messi.”
Nostalgia and Durga Puja Connection
While Messi did not commit immediately, conversations began in 2024 about a potential future visit. Dutta revealed that he reminded Messi of his first trip to India in 2011 a landmark moment when he captained Argentina for the first time. To add an emotional touch, Dutta also showed Messi a picture of his statue being installed on a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, a testament to the city’s football obsession.
Messi was convinced. “I just said if it would be possible over the next one or two years, he said ‘I love the idea’,” recalled Dutta.
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Messi in India – Tour starts from December 12
🔹Kolkata is the first stop; Ahmedabad, Mumbai, New Delhi to follow
🔹 Meeting with PM Modi part of itinerary
🔹 Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets may joinHere’s everything you need… pic.twitter.com/4CM3r83ael
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) August 15, 2025
The Four-City Tour
Messi’s tour will begin in Kolkata, followed by stops in Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Mumbai. Dutta explained that the multi-city model was essential:
“If it is not multiple cities, it won’t be financially viable.”
During the visit, Messi is expected to attend several public functions, meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and feature in seven-a-side exhibition games involving Indian sporting legends, Bollywood celebrities, and possibly even some of India’s top cricketers.
For Indian fans, Messi’s tour is more than just an exhibition series it is a rare chance to see one of football’s greatest icons in person. With Ronaldinho and Emiliano Martinez playing their part in making it happen, and Kolkata’s footballing passion adding a touch of nostalgia, the stage is set for a historic visit.
