Kolkata is celebrating like a festival. The reason? Only a few hours left before Lionel Messi arrives. When the greatest star in football history is about to set foot in the city, excitement naturally spreads across all of Bengal. After 2011, Messi is coming to India again — but this time it’s even more special, because now he is World Cup winning Messi.
Messi’s Main Event in Kolkata — 13 December
9:30 AM — Special programme at his hotel with sponsors
Around 10 AM — Departs for the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan)
At the stadium, he will attend the Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All-Stars vs Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All-Stars match, which he will watch from the ground
After the match, he will interact with the players of both teams
Later, from the hotel, he will virtually inaugurate a 70-foot statue of Messi
By afternoon, he will fly to Hyderabad
On 14 December, he will take part in various events in Mumbai, and on 15 December, in Delhi. During the tour, he is also expected to meet Shah Rukh Khan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Didn’t get tickets? Don’t worry! Where to watch Messi?
Even though many people could not get tickets to the stadium, the good news is that Messi’s entire tour can be enjoyed right from home.
✔ Messi’s Kolkata tour will be streamed live on the Sony LIV app and website.
(A Sony LIV subscription is required.)
✔ Selected events of the GOAT India Tour 2025 will also be broadcast on—
Prasar Bharati YouTube channel
DD Sports TV channel
Preparations are at full swing everywhere from Kolkata airport to the Salt Lake Stadium. The city’s streets are filled with Messi posters, fans singing, flags and blue-and-white lights reflecting Argentina’s colours. Many say that seeing Messi once in their lifetime is their greatest dream come true. Kolkata, the football-loving city, feels like it has once again transformed into the football capital of the world. Just a few more hours — and India will see its dream man. All of Bengal waits eagerly for the Messi Magic.