Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has officially confirmed that Hyderabad has been added to his highly awaited ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’, which kicks off next month. With this announcement, Hyderabad becomes the fourth Indian city on Messi’s travel route.
The World Cup-winning captain will begin his India tour in Kolkata, after which he will travel to Hyderabad, followed by Mumbai, and finally New Delhi, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sharing the news directly with his Indian fans, Messi posted on his social media handle:
“Thanks for all the love from India! The GOAT tour kicks off in a few weeks’ time!!! I’m happy to share that Hyderabad has been added to my visits to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. See you soon India!”
Why Hyderabad Was Added to the Tour
Hyderabad’s inclusion came after the cancellation of Argentina’s proposed friendly match in Kochi, initially announced by Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman for November 17. The revised plan ensures that Messi’s tour now covers all four regions of India —
- East: Kolkata
- South: Hyderabad
- West: Mumbai
- North: New Delhi
Events Planned in Hyderabad
Satadru Dutta, the sole organiser of the ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’, confirmed to PTI that Messi’s Hyderabad event will take place either at the Gachibowli Stadium or the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
The schedule for Hyderabad is expected to include:
- A celebrity football match
- A football clinic for young players
- A felicitation ceremony
- A musical programme
What the GOAT Tour Includes
Conceptualised by Dutta, the GOAT Tour is designed as a multi-city celebration of football and entertainment. Messi will participate in:
- Celebrity football matches
- Musical evenings
- Meet-and-greet interactions
- Football masterclasses for children
- Special felicitation events
Full Tour Schedule
- December 13: Kolkata
- December 13 (evening): Hyderabad
- December 14: Mumbai
- December 15: New Delhi
Indian fans can now look forward to four action-packed days as Messi travels across the country, meeting supporters and participating in a variety of football and cultural events.