Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated three-day ‘GOAT Tour’ of India in December is set to become even more star-studded, with organisers officially confirming that former Barcelona and current Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez will accompany the Argentine superstar.
The much-hoped-for reunion was teased by organisers on Sunday, who revealed that the Uruguayan striker is confirmed to join Messi for the entire three-day itinerary. Adding to the star power will be Messi’s close friend and 2022 World Cup-winning Argentine teammate, Rodrigo De Paul.
A source close to the development told a national daily, “Suárez’s presence is confirmed. So is that of De Paul… Both of them will be coming in a private jet with Messi. They will come via Dubai to Calcutta from Miami. They will be there with Messi for the entire tour.”
The Pursuit of ‘MSN’
While Suárez’s participation guarantees a partial reunion of Barcelona’s legendary ‘MSN’ (Messi-Suárez-Neymar) trio, the organisers are now making a final push to secure the presence of Brazilian star Neymar Jr.
“The discussions on Neymar’s availability are still underway. It may take a bit of time,” the source added. The organisers’ original plan was reportedly to surprise Messi by reuniting the three players, who collectively scored 364 goals and provided 174 assists, helping Barcelona win a famous treble in the 2014/15 season.
Three-City Itinerary
The ‘GOAT Tour’ will kick off in Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. The delegation will then travel to Mumbai, where events are scheduled at the Wankhede Stadium on December 14, and conclude in New Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on December 15.
Even if Neymar is unable to join, the presence of Suárez and De Paul will ensure that fans across the three major Indian cities get a historic chance to see the World Cup-winning captain alongside his celebrated teammates. The tour, a blend of football masterclasses, fan interactions, and celebrity appearances, marks Messi’s second visit to India, his first being a friendly match with the Argentine national team in Kolkata in 2011.