Lionel Messi’s anticipated ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’ will now feature a stop in Hyderabad due to the cancellation of the Kochi leg. This addition ensures that fans in the southern region have the opportunity to witness the Argentine football legend in action.
The decision to include Hyderabad came after Argentina’s planned friendly match in Kerala was called off. The tour organizer, Satadru Dutta, expressed that this addition is a tribute to football enthusiasts across South India, completing the coverage of all regions in India, including Kolkata (east), Hyderabad (south), Mumbai (west), and New Delhi (north).
Dutta emphasized the significance of including Hyderabad to prevent fans in the south from missing out on seeing Messi following the cancellation of the Kerala event. The Hyderabad leg of the tour will be a grand affair, featuring a celebrity football match, musical performances, a felicitation ceremony, and a football clinic, resembling an extension of the GOAT Cup.
Messi is expected to arrive in India around midnight on December 12 or early December 13, commencing the tour in Kolkata on December 13, followed by Hyderabad the same day, Mumbai on December 14, and concluding in New Delhi on December 15. The Hyderabad event is scheduled to take place at either the Gachibowli Stadium or the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with ticket sales opening soon.
In addition to Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul will also participate in the tour. Strong ticket demand has been witnessed, with the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai already sold out and Kolkata and Delhi nearing full capacity. Dutta anticipates the Hyderabad leg to be particularly memorable, given the enthusiastic energy in the city and the presence of southern celebrities.
The ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’ promises to be a remarkable sporting event, uniting football fans from all corners of the country and showcasing the talents of international football stars.