By The News Update| Updated: 17 December 2025
Messi interacts with fans at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, bringing his GOAT Tour to a successful end after challenges in Kolkata Messi India tour 2025.
Football superstar Lionel Messi wrapped up his three-day India tour in Delhi on Monday, bringing relief and excitement to fans after a chaotic and controversial opening in Kolkata. Thousands of supporters gathered at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to witness the Argentine forward in action, cheering passionately as Messi interacted with the crowd.
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Accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi strolled across the pitch, kicking balls into the stands, passing with children, and signing autographs, as the audience chanted his name. The atmosphere in Delhi contrasted sharply with the turmoil that had occurred during his first event in Kolkata just days earlier.
Messi’s flight from Mumbai to Delhi was delayed due to fog, according to local media reports, which resulted in a shortened schedule. Despite these challenges, the final event in Delhi went off smoothly, allowing fans to enjoy uninterrupted interactions with one of football’s greatest icons.
A fan holds a jersey of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi at the event in Delhi.
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Messi India tour 2025: Itinerary and Key Stops
Messi’s India tour, branded as the GOAT Tour, included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi over three days. The tour aimed to connect Messi with fans across cricket-loving and football-enthusiastic cities in India.
In Kolkata, Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot (21-meter) statue of himself at Salt Lake Stadium. The statue was constructed over 27 days by a 45-member team and was unveiled using a remote session during the event. However, the city’s fans, frustrated with the limited visibility of Messi, resorted to vandalism. Thousands of tickets had been sold, some up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133), but most attendees could not see him clearly as he was surrounded by officials and quickly escorted off the pitch.
The Kolkata event turned chaotic, with fans tearing seats and throwing objects onto the field. Local media highlighted the lack of proper security measures and mismanagement as contributing factors. The Telegraph called it a “battlefield” scenario, emphasizing that the hype and lack of coordination resulted in a hostile atmosphere for fans. The incident quickly went viral on social media and international news outlets.
The event organizer, Satadru Dutta, was subsequently arrested and remanded to 14 days of police custody. Authorities promised stricter security measures for the following stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, ensuring that fans could safely interact with Messi.
Messi virtually unveiled a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata during his visit.
Highlights from Hyderabad and Mumbai
After the Kolkata chaos, Messi traveled to Hyderabad, where he met opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and participated in promotional events. Fans were able to get better access and more interactive experiences with the football legend. Social media platforms were flooded with photos and videos, showing Messi dribbling footballs, interacting with children, and engaging with the audience.
In Mumbai, Messi’s visit included a special interaction with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Both icons were seen exchanging greetings and sharing moments that captured the imagination of Indian sports fans. The event also included promotional activities and photo opportunities with Messi’s Inter Miami teammates, generating widespread excitement across the city.
Messi’s Grand Finale in Delhi
The tour concluded in Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where thousands of fans gathered to see Messi. The Argentine superstar displayed his usual charm, signing autographs, playing football with children, and interacting warmly with attendees. Fans captured the moments on their phones, and social media feeds were filled with posts celebrating the football legend.
Messi’s presence inspired young fans and created an immersive experience for football enthusiasts. Unlike the Kolkata incident, the Delhi event was carefully managed with robust security and coordination, ensuring smooth proceedings and memorable fan interactions.
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Messi playing football with children at a stadium in Delhi.
Fan Reactions Across India
Fans across the country expressed joy and excitement during Messi’s tour. In Kolkata, while the chaos initially frustrated fans, many took to social media to show their admiration for Messi despite the security mishaps. Hyderabad and Mumbai fans posted images and videos showing Messi’s interactions with children and fans, creating a viral online buzz.
In Delhi, fans particularly enjoyed the accessible environment, noting that security arrangements allowed everyone to witness Messi closely. The experience was described as “dreamlike” and “once-in-a-lifetime” by attendees, highlighting Messi’s unique global appeal.
Celebrity and Political Engagements
Messi’s tour also included meetings with prominent figures in entertainment and politics. In Kolkata, he briefly interacted with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at his hotel. In Hyderabad, he met opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. In Mumbai, Messi spent time with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. These engagements added a layer of glamour and prestige to the tour, emphasizing Messi’s global influence.
Reports suggested a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, but Modi left for an international trip, leaving fans to interact with Messi independently. Nevertheless, the superstar’s presence captivated the Indian audience across age groups.
The Significance of Messi’s India Tour
The tour marked Messi’s first visit to India since 2011 and was branded as a celebration of his legendary football career. It emphasized football’s growing popularity in India, a cricket-dominated country, and showcased Messi’s emotional connection with Indian fans.
Messi’s interaction with fans, children, and celebrities, along with the unveiling of the statue in Kolkata, underscored the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) branding. Despite early challenges, the tour successfully concluded in Delhi, leaving a lasting impression on fans and media alike.
Messi’s Legacy in India
Messi’s visit highlighted the cultural and sporting influence he holds worldwide. In India, his popularity extends beyond football, with millions of fans emotionally connecting to his career and achievements. The tour served as a unique opportunity for fans to witness Messi’s charisma and skill firsthand.
The interactions with fans, social media engagement, and the presence of international and Indian celebrities during the tour have cemented Messi’s legacy in India. His tour not only celebrated football but also inspired a generation of young athletes to pursue their passion for sports.
Conclusion
Despite a challenging start in Kolkata, Lionel Messi’s 2025 India tour concluded smoothly in Delhi, offering fans memorable interactions and iconic moments. From unveiling a 70ft statue to engaging with children, celebrities, and politicians, Messi’s presence captured the imagination of the Indian audience. The tour highlighted the growing popularity of football in India and reinforced Messi’s status as a global icon, creating an unforgettable experience for fans across the country.
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Key Highlights
- Messi’s India tour spanned Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
- Unveiled a 70ft statue in Kolkata via virtual event.
- Met celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar.
- Interacted with fans and children through football matches and autograph sessions.
- Final event in Delhi concluded smoothly after Kolkata chaos.
