Lionel Messi’s India Tour: A Mix of History and Controversy
India, December 14, 2025 — Argentine football legend Lionel Messi continues to make headlines on the second day of his three-day India tour (GOAT India Tour 2025), a visit that has become not only a sporting spectacle for fans but also a blend of historic encounters, excitement, and controversy.
Background of the Tour
Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, has returned to India after 14 years. The tour, named “GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) India Tour 2025,” includes stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
The announcement of Messi’s visit sparked immense excitement among Indian sports enthusiasts and fans; he has been welcomed across the country, and his presence in each city has elicited varied reactions.
📍 Kolkata: From Excitement to Chaos
Messi’s India tour began on December 13 at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium. Kolkata, a city deeply rooted in football culture, had particularly high expectations for the visit. Meeting Messi was a moment of pride for the city’s residents.
However, despite the massive turnout, the event’s planning and management fell short of expectations, leading to a sudden escalation of tension. Many people expressed disappointment at not being able to see Messi up close, with some having traveled from afar, even canceling weddings and other important events – only to be denied the experience they had hoped for.
Several fans alleged that excessive security, VIP cordons, and poor management prevented them from seeing Messi. This frustration led to some instances of vandalism at the stadium.
Following the incident, the organizer, Satadru Dutta, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody in Kolkata, and the case is being investigated at the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) level. Rumors surrounding the main event, fan complaints, and reactions that went viral on social media indicate that the Kolkata event became, in many ways, the most controversial part of this historic visit.
Amidst the controversy, the local administration and the state government issued apologies to prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future.
Reuters
Mumbai: A Cricket-Football Fusion and a Meeting with Sachin
After Kolkata, Messi arrived in Mumbai on December 14, where he received a grand welcome at the Wankhede Stadium.
At the event, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar warmly greeted Lionel Messi and presented him with a special Indian cricket jersey – a moment that moved many cricket and football fans.
The Mumbai event not only saw a massive gathering of sports enthusiasts but also the presence of Bollywood stars. However, this event was not without its controversies – some fans expressed displeasure at the presence of actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, and a video of them lightly jumping around went viral on social media.
Thousands of spectators at the Wankhede Stadium cheered Messi’s name, and chants of ‘Messi! Messi!’ echoed throughout. Here too, Messi spoke about plans to promote local football and sports culture and interacted with several young players.
Meeting the Stars: Shah Rukh Khan and Others
During his visit, Messi also met Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and a video of their interaction went viral on social media.
There are also reports that Messi is scheduled to meet politicians like Rahul Gandhi and has a meeting planned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
This tour has become a symbol of a cultural confluence in the world of sports, where various dimensions of sports, entertainment, politics, and public life are converging.
Football with Children and Cultural Programs
Messi did not only participate in large-scale events but also took part in programs like playing football with children in Hyderabad, which instilled enthusiasm and inspiration among young local players. Their objective is reportedly to promote traditional football culture, strengthen the sport at the grassroots level, and instill a love for the game among young people.
Fan and Social Media Reactions
On social media, Messi’s visit has elicited a wide range of reactions, from praise and admiration to criticism and sharp satire. Some users have shared their thoughts on Indian football culture, commenting on how Messi’s arrival is bringing a new wave of football enthusiasm to the country.
Meanwhile, critics argue that such events should be designed not just for big stars and leaders, but for ordinary fans as well.
Further Schedule
Lionel Messi’s India tour will conclude on December 15th in New Delhi, where he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss sports-related matters.
This tour has become a historic event, not only for football but also for shaping sports culture, inspiring youth, and fostering global sports dialogue between India and Argentina.
In short, Messi’s India tour has been a unique blend of sport, celebration, controversy, and cultural exchange—where history is being made and new stories are unfolding.