Messi is all set to come to India: Football legend will visit these cities in December; Check full schedule

Football fans in India are in for a major treat this December, as global football legend Lionel Messi is expected to visit Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium for a special event on December 14, according to a report by The Times of India (TOI).

Earlier, on June 6, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman had confirmed that the Argentina national team, led by Messi, will play a friendly match in Kerala in October or November at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala government had announced plans to host the team with full state support and as official guests.

The Wankhede Stadium, famous for hosting India’s 2011 World Cup cricket triumph, will now witness a moment of global football significance with Messi’s presence. As per the TOI report, event organisers Wizcraft have sought and received permission from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to host the ticketed event at the iconic venue.


"Yes, Messi is set to visit the Wankhede Stadium for an event on December 14. The organisers of the event (Wizcraft) have sought permission for the event, which will be ticketed. Their request was discussed by the Mumbai Cricket Association's Apex Council in a meeting recently and the permission was granted," a source in the MCA told TOI.

"A couple of superstar cricketers may also attend the event," the source added.

According to the same report, Messi is scheduled to visit Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai from December 13 to 15, participating in a series of celebratory events honouring his storied football career. In Kolkata, Messi will reportedly be felicitated at Eden Gardens, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee likely to attend. His itinerary there includes a football workshop for children, a clinic launch, and a seven-a-side tournament titled the “GOAT Cup” in his honour.

Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, had previously visited India in September 2011, when he played a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s career includes:

• 8 Ballon d'Ors
• 6 European Golden Shoes
• 45 team trophies
• 870+ career goals
• 380+ assists
• Leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory

He also holds records for the most goals in a calendar year (91), most goals for a single club (672 for Barcelona), most goals in La Liga (474), most World Cup goal contributions (21), and most in Copa América (32).

(With inputs from TOI)