Football icon Lionel Messi concluded his historic GOAT India Tour 2025 on Tuesday, departing from Jamnagar after a final visit to the Vantara wildlife rescue and conservation centre. This stop, hosted by Anant Ambani, served as the curtain call on a tour that generated unprecedented excitement and drew colossal crowds across four Indian cities.
A Whirlwind Tour Across Four Metros
The Argentine superstar's itinerary was a whirlwind of fan engagement, taking him to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and finally Delhi. Each city offered enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness the World Cup-winning legend in person. The tour's grand finale was held in the national capital, where an on-field programme at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium provided a fitting climax amidst immense fan enthusiasm.
Delhi's Grand Finale and Celebrity Match
Messi arrived in Delhi on December 15, accompanied by former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, following their engagements in Mumbai. The highlight of the Delhi leg was a celebrity football match featuring the Minerva Messi All Stars and the Celebrity Messi All Stars. Messi himself stepped onto the pitch for a brief interaction, sharing moments with players from both teams and spending valuable time with young, aspiring footballers. The sight of Messi exchanging passes with Suarez and De Paul left the budding talents awestruck.
The event culminated in a stage ceremony graced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and several prominent dignitaries. These included ICC chairman Jay Shah, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia. In a symbolic gesture bridging sports, Jay Shah presented specially curated Indian cricket jerseys to Messi, Suarez, and De Paul. Messi also received a commemorative cricket bat signed by legendary Indian cricketers.
Highlights from Mumbai and Hyderabad
Earlier in the tour, Messi's Mumbai visit saw him grace the hallowed turf of Wankhede Stadium, where he met Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. In Hyderabad, he participated in a 7-on-7 exhibition match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. The visit also included interactions with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
A Rocky Start and Lasting Legacy
The tour commenced in Kolkata but was not without controversy, as fans expressed frustration over pitch-side overcrowding that obstructed their view of the football icon. Despite this initial hiccup, Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025 concluded as a landmark moment for Indian football fandom. It created a wave of excitement and memories that will be cherished by fans for years to come, marking a significant chapter in the sport's growing popularity in the country.
