Photo via Sachin Tendulkar on X
Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated GOAT Tour in India has delivered emotion, chaos, redemption, and unforgettable joy. From the moment his plane—carrying Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez—touched down in Kolkata, India erupted with affection for the greatest footballer of all time. Throughout the night, fans waited outside as early as 4 AM in the cold, hoping for even a brief glimpse of Messi. Moreover, stadiums with capacities of more than 80,000 filled effortlessly, showing how his presence continues to transcend borders, cultures, and continents.
Kolkata: A Dream Start That Collapsed Into Chaos
The first stop of Messi’s India tour opened with pure excitement. Messi met Bollywood’s top actor, Shah Rukh Khan, and together they virtually unveiled the world’s tallest 70-foot Messi statue. As a result, millions across India and Argentina experienced a surreal, celebratory moment.
However, the joy disappeared quickly. At Salt Lake Stadium, where more than 80,000 fans waited for hours, the event spiraled into complete chaos. Security struggled to control the crowd as politicians, influencers, and VIPs swarmed Messi, and he ultimately left after only 22 minutes. Consequently, fans who had spent more than $100 on tickets barely saw him.
Soon after, videos emerged of people forcing De Paul and Messi into personal photos, and this behavior angered fans even more. What should have been a historic celebration instead became a bitter disappointment. In response, local authorities launched a formal enquiry into the incident, arrested the organizers, and announced efforts to process refunds for fans who were let down.
Hyderabad: Redemption, Magic, and a Night to Remember
Ultimately, the Kolkata chaos became the wake-up call India needed. Therefore, Hyderabad delivered one of the most magical football events the country has ever seen. From choreographed laser shows to heartfelt fan tributes, the energy inside Rajiv Gandhi Stadium was electric. The venue, which holds 55,000, hosted nearly 50,000 roaring fans, and together they created an unforgettable atmosphere.
Messi appeared on stage with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Nevertheless, the night truly belonged to the fans. When Messi took the mic, chants of “MESSI! MESSI!” echoed across the stadium.
The MLS MVP Lionel Messi speaking to the fans said:
“Nothing but to extend my thanks for the love I’ve received today and always.
The truth is that I’ve seen a lot of things throughout this whole time, during the last World Cup, and honestly… thank you so much for all this love.
It’s an honor for us to share these days here in India with you.”
Immediately after his speech, the stadium erupted with chants of “DE PAUL! DE PAUL!” Rodrigo De Paul took the mic, visibly moved, and thanked fans for their love during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also expressed how special it felt to share this moment with India.
Shortly afterward, fans called for Luis Suárez, and the legendary striker delivered with his trademark humor and warmth.
Meanwhile, Messi spent time interacting with children, gifting balls, and playing around with young academy players. As a result, Hyderabad earned a night that fans will cherish for generations.
Mumbai: A Celebration of Football and India’s Sporting Legends
If Hyderabad was magical, Mumbai was emotional. The city lit up for Messi—literally. The iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link illuminated with Messi’s images, while FCB Mumbai took over local trains in celebration of the GOAT’s arrival.
Inside Wankhede Stadium, 33,000 fans packed in, and thousands more waited outside the gates. The event ran smoothly, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis joined numerous Bollywood celebrities in welcoming the trio.
Then came two moments that India will never forget.
- Lionel Messi meeting Sunil Chhetri
India’s greatest footballer—the fourth-highest international goalscorer—embraced Messi, uniting decades of dreams for Indian fans. Messi handed Chhetri a signed jersey, creating a symbolic passing of greatness. - Messi meets Sachin Tendulkar
This was cricket’s god meeting football’s god. Both are Number 10s. Both carried their nations for years. Both won their World Cups after immense heartbreak, criticism, and pressure. Consequently, for India—where cricket is the dominant sport—seeing Tendulkar and Messi together became a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Messi, De Paul, and Suárez once again kicked footballs into the crowd, interacted with young girls from local academies, and shared yet another joyful, emotional evening with the fans.
Delhi Awaits: The Grand Finale of Messi’s India Tour
Tomorrow, Messi will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking one of the most high-profile moments of the tour. The main events will be held at Arun Jaitley Stadium (55,000 capacity) and are once again expected to be completely sold out.
The scheduled highlights include Messi felicitating Minerva Academy youth teams, which have won multiple national trophies, as well as a nine-a-side celebrity football match. Additionally, several prominent Indian celebrities are expected to attend, turning the Delhi event into a final celebration of football culture in India. Because of all this anticipation, Delhi looks poised to close the GOAT Tour with grandeur, emotion, and historic significance.
The joy Lionel Messi has given football fans across the globe is immeasurable. Now, India has shown him—loudly, passionately, and overwhelmingly—how deeply that love is returned. Through chaos, correction, celebration, and emotion, Messi’s GOAT Tour in India has become a cultural moment that transcends football and unites millions.
You are special to billions around the world, Leo. 🥹❤️
