Mumbai is set to welcome football legend Lionel Messi this December. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed on Sunday that the Argentine superstar will arrive in the city on December 14, 2025, as part of the much-awaited GOAT Tour.
This will be Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, when he led Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
Messi Sends Signed Gift to CM Fadnavis
Before the official announcement, Messi already made his presence felt in Maharashtra. CM Devendra Fadnavis revealed that the football icon sent him a personally signed football.
Sharing the update on X, Fadnavis wrote, “Guess what! Lionel Messi is coming to Maharashtra and will play football with you, my young friends! Thank you, Messi, for gifting me your personally signed football! I welcome your forthcoming visit to Mumbai on 14th December 2025 as a part of the GOAT Tour!”
Guess what!
Lionel Messi is coming to Maharashtra and….
will play football with you, my young friends 😊!Thank you, Messi for gifting me your personally signed football!
I welcome your forthcoming visit to Mumbai on 14th December 2025, as a part GOAT Tour!Under-14 young… pic.twitter.com/YkuicNk4dT
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 21, 2025
Young Players to Train with Messi
The highlight of Messi’s visit will be a special training session for children. The Maharashtra Sports Department, along with MITRA and the Western India Football Association (WIFA), will select under-14 players from across the state.
On December 14, these young footballers will have the opportunity to practice and train with Messi himself. Officials said this opportunity could inspire the next generation of Indian football talent.
Fadnavis urged corporates and fans to support the initiative. He described it as a unique effort to bring world-class training to Maharashtra’s youth.
Argentina to Play in Kerala
Messi’s India trip is not limited to Mumbai. Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed that Argentina’s national team will play a friendly match in Kerala during the November 2025 FIFA International Window.
Posting on Facebook, he wrote, “Messi will come. Official confirmation received through official mail that the Qatar World Cup-winning Argentina team, including Lionel Messi, will arrive in Kerala for a friendly match.”
Messi’s Legacy and Excitement in India
The 38-year-old superstar, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and holds eight Ballon d’Or awards, remains one of the most iconic figures in global football. His visit to India has sparked excitement among fans and young athletes alike.
With training sessions in Mumbai and a confirmed Argentina friendly in Kerala, Messi’s return promises to be a historic moment for Indian football.
