Lionel The iron structure, erected by Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, depicts the player lifting the Copa cup from the 2022 Mundo, and will be revealed remotely for security reasons. The event takes place at 10:30am local time (1am Brasília time), with Messi participating in a meet-and-greet session at Salt Lake Stadium shortly after.
The visit, the Argentine’s first to the country in 14 years, coincides with his recent conquest of the MLS Cup 2025 title with Inter Miami, where he was top scorer with 29 goals in the regular phase and MVP for the second consecutive time. The three-day tour, which includes stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Nova Delhi, aims to promote football and interact with fans in one of the sport’s biggest emerging markets. Autoridades locals estimate thousands of fans for the kickoff event, reinforcing Messi’s popularity in the Bengala Ocidental region.
- Life-size replica of Messi on a throne, mounted in a fan zone.
- Recreation of the player’s house in Miami, with family mannequins.
- Trophy exhibition, including the Bola of Ouro and the MLS Cup.
A new statue of Lionel Messi has been built in Kolkata, India, estimated to stand around 70 feet tall, featuring Messi holding thepic.twitter.com/J86SJ93IxY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC)December 12, 2025
The full tour schedule highlights varied activities such as clinics for young athletes and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nova Delhi.
Preparations for reception on Calcutá
Calcutá authorities have set up an exclusive fan zone at Yuva Bharati Stadium, with tickets starting at 4,366 Indian rupees. The statue, built in 27 days by 45 artisans, surpasses in height any other dedicated to a football player, according to the organizing club.
The minister of Bengala Ocidental, Sujit Bose, highlighted the local effort to honor Messi, who visited Índia in 2011 with Argentina. The structure integrates a tourist circuit alongside a statue of Diego Maradona, reinforcing historical ties with Argentine football.
Reinforced security with category Z accompanies the player throughout their stay, due to high public interest.
Highlights of the 2025 season on Inter Miami
Messi led Inter Miami to win the MLS Cup in December, with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. The Argentine registered 29 goals and 19 assists in the regular phase, totaling 48 goal contributions in 28 games.
He became the first to win the MLS MVP award in consecutive years, surpassing records such as 10 multi-goal games in a season. The team finished third in the Conferência Leste, with 65 points, and advanced in the playoffs with six goals and nine assists from number 10.
Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, companions of Messi, join the tour in later stages, including Mumbai.
The campaign included semi-final and quarter-final victories, culminating in the first league title for the club founded in 2018.
Goat India Tour itinerary
The tour continues with events in four main cities, focusing on promoting sport and cultural interactions. Em Hyderabad, at 7pm local time at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Messi participates in a 7v7 game with the head of local government, Revanth Reddy.
Mumbai hosts the group on the 14th, with an Copa of Padel at 5:30 pm on the Cricket Club of India, possibly with celebrities like The day includes a Spanish music show and auction of Copa items from Mundo for charity.
Nova Delhi closes the agenda on the 15th, with activities at Arun Jaitley Stadium at 11:30 am local time, including a session with young players.
Tickets range from 2,250 rupees at Hyderabad to 9,440 at Nova Delhi, available via the District app.
Historical connection with Indian football
Kolkata is home to one of the largest communities of Messi fans in the Ásia, boosted by Argentina’s victory in the 2022 Copa.
Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, responsible for the statue, has already honored Maradona, Ronaldinho and Emiliano Martínez in past events. The Bengala region sees a high level of support for South American football, with Argentina games attracting huge crowds.
Messi expressed gratitude in a statement, recalling the warm reception in 2011 and the sport’s potential at Índia.
The tour promotes exchange, with Messi sharing experiences from his career in clinics for local aspirants.
Messi’s Recent MLS Contributions
Since arriving at Inter Miami in 2023, the Argentine has transformed the team, winning Leagues Cup in his debut year. In 2024, they won the Supporters’ Shield with a record 74 points, despite early elimination in the playoffs.
In the 2025 season, Messi played 34 official games, scoring 35 goals in total and distributing 28 assists. Seu impact raised the visibility of MLS, with record global broadcast audiences.
The two-time MVP title reinforces his dominance, with 48 goal contributions in the regular season, the second highest historical mark in the league.
Companions like De Paul and Suárez credit Messi with the cast’s cohesion, which is now planning for Concacaf Champions Cup in 2026.
Expectations for events in Mumbai
The stage at Mumbai emphasizes philanthropy, with a charity fashion show and auction of 2022 Copa memorabilia.
Suárez takes part in a musical tribute, while De Paul supports training sessions. The program integrates local culture, with an Argentine-Indian gastronomic festival.
Premium tickets cost 7,080 rupees, with live streaming via YouTube from Prasar Bharati.
The charitable focus aims to raise funds for football academies in underserved communities.
Visit to Nova Delhi and closing of the tour
In Nova Delhi, Messi schedules a meeting with officials in Arun Jaitley Stadium, possibly including Prime Minister Modi. The morning session involves masterclass and penalties with young talents.
The tour concludes with an official congratulation and musical tribute, celebrating the 787 goals in 963 club games in Messi’s career. The event reinforces bilateral ties through sport.
Select broadcasts will be on the Waves OTT app, expanding reach for remote fans.
The initiative highlights the growth of Indian football, with Messi as a global ambassador.
