Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 made headlines across the country, but not for the reasons fans had hoped. The three-day whirlwind tour, featuring stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, quickly descended into chaos during its opening day, leaving fans frustrated and local authorities scrambling to manage the situation.
This was Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, and expectations were sky-high. However, logistical issues and crowd management problems led to a rocky start, overshadowing what was meant to be a celebratory event for football fans across the nation.
Why Messi Came to India
Fresh off his historic MLS Cup victory with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi embarked on a promotional journey dubbed the GOAT India Tour 2025—GOAT standing for “Greatest of All Time.” Joining Messi were his Inter Miami teammates: Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
The four-city tour was designed to connect with fans across India, offering meet-and-greet opportunities, football activities, and appearances with local celebrities. The cities on the tour were Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi—making India the sole destination for this exclusive international promotional tour.
Ticketing: Prices and Access
Tickets for the events were priced to suit a variety of budgets. Basic stadium access ranged from 3,500 rupees (£29) in Kolkata and Hyderabad to 4,200 rupees (£35) in New Delhi. Despite these being roughly half the average weekly wage in India, demand was so high that secondary market prices soared, with some fans reportedly paying up to 12,000 rupees (£99) to secure a spot.
For the ultimate experience, a VVIP package allowed 100 lucky fans a personal meet-and-greet with Messi, including photographs, at the steep cost of one million rupees (£8,200).
Kolkata: When the GOAT Tour Went Wrong
The tour began in Kolkata, where thousands of fans gathered at Wankhede Stadium and outside Messi’s hotel to catch a glimpse of the football superstar. The day started smoothly for meet-and-greet ticket holders from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, but tensions quickly escalated.
A highlight was the unveiling of a 70-foot-tall statue of Messi lifting the World Cup, but Messi was not physically present. Instead, the unveiling occurred via video link, with Messi pressing a remote control to reveal the statue. Later, he met Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan before heading to Salt Lake Stadium.
Plans for a friendly kickabout with local players never materialized. Messi’s on-field presence lasted only 20 minutes instead of the scheduled hour, leaving many fans, who had paid thousands of rupees, disappointed.
Angry spectators reportedly stormed the pitch, vandalized banners, and threw chairs and water bottles in frustration. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock, announcing a full inquiry and issuing an apology to Messi and fans.
The event organizer, Satadru Dutta, was arrested and remanded to 14 days of police custody. Media outlets blamed poor planning, security lapses, and lack of coordination for turning the stadium into a scene of chaos.
Smooth Sailing in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi
Following the Kolkata mishap, the rest of the Messi India tour went far more smoothly.
In Hyderabad, Messi, Suarez, and De Paul engaged with fans on the field for a full hour, giving spectators the experience they had eagerly anticipated.
In Mumbai, Messi met cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, delighting fans with a mix of football fun and celebrity appearances.
Finally, in New Delhi, despite fog delaying their arrival, the trio made a half-hour appearance at Arun Jaitley Stadium, participating in football drills with children, signing autographs, and kicking balls into the crowd. The events were praised for being well-organized, ensuring fans finally got the experience they had paid for.
Final Thoughts on Messi’s India Tour
While the GOAT India Tour 2025 faced a rocky start in Kolkata, Messi’s later appearances helped restore fan enthusiasm across the country. The tour highlighted both the immense popularity of Lionel Messi in India and the challenges of managing large-scale events in high-demand locations.
For fans of Messi and football enthusiasts, the tour provided a rare opportunity to witness one of the greatest players of all time in action, leaving lasting memories for those who finally got to see him live.
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