Souvik Saha
Kolkata is set to witness history once again — Lionel Messi, the Argentine legend and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, will arrive in India this December. The man behind this extraordinary feat is none other than Satadru Dutta, the visionary sports promoter who previously brought Pele, Maradona, Ronaldinho and Cafu to Kolkata.
Messi’s upcoming visit marks his first trip to India since 2011, when he played a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium. This time, however, the tour is set to be much bigger, featuring meet-and-greet sessions, concerts, football matches, and cultural tributes across Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.
How Satadru Dutta Sealed the Deal with Messi
Confirming the news, Satadru Dutta told PTI:
“I got the authorisation and afterwards made it official (on social media). Messi will post any day between August 28 and September 1 with the official poster and a small introduction of his tour.”
The journey to secure Messi’s visit wasn’t easy. Earlier this year, Dutta met Messi’s father to present the proposal, followed by a 45-minute discussion with Messi himself on February 28 at the star’s residence.
“I explained the plan and what we wanted to do. He seemed convinced it was worth it and committed to coming,” Dutta revealed.
Messi’s Kolkata Schedule (December 12–13, 2025)
-
Arrival: Messi lands in Kolkata on December 12 night.
-
December 13 Morning: Meet-and-greet at his hotel, featuring a fusion Argentine-Indian tea festival (mate with Assam tea) and a Bengali food spread including hilsa and traditional sweets.
-
Statue Unveiling: Messi’s biggest-ever statue will be inaugurated in Kolkata.
-
Mural Celebration: A 25×20 feet mural will be displayed during Durga Puja at multiple pandals, where fans can post messages and drawings. The completed mural will be presented to Messi during the event.
-
GOAT Concert & GOAT Cup: Either at Eden Gardens or Salt Lake Stadium, featuring a seven-a-side celebrity match with Messi, Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, John Abraham and Leander Paes.
-
Felicitation: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is expected to honour Messi during the programme.
Tickets are expected to start at ₹3,500, with a packed stadium anticipated.
National Tour: Ahmedabad, Mumbai & Delhi
🔹 Ahmedabad (Dec 13 Night): Private event with Adani Foundation.
🔹 Mumbai (Dec 14): Meet-and-greet at CCI Brabourne, followed by the GOAT Concert & GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium. A special Padel GOAT Cup will see Messi play with Indian and Bollywood celebrities.
-
Expected participants: Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, Tiger Shroff, Leander Paes.
-
A “GOAT Moment” with Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma is also being planned.
🔹 Delhi (Dec 15): Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla.
-
Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill are expected to attend.
Security and Fan Safety
With such a high-profile event, security remains a top priority. Kolkata Police has already instructed Dutta to ensure flawless arrangements. Messi’s team is equally focused on fan safety, ensuring that the event remains a celebration without any untoward incidents.
Why This Tour is Historic
-
Messi’s First Visit Since 2011: Returning after 14 years to India.
-
Fusion of Sport & Culture: From Bengali fish and sweets to tea.
-
Fan Engagement: Statues, murals, meet-and-greets, and concerts.
-
Sports Unity: Messi to share the stage with Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Bollywood icons.
Satadru Dutta: The Architect of Dreams
From bringing Pele and Maradona to Kolkata, to confirming Messi’s India tour, Satadru Dutta has redefined sports promotion in India. His vision of blending football, culture, and celebrity glamour has made Kolkata the epicentre of global sporting legends.
This December, India is not just hosting Messi — it is celebrating the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in a way the world has never seen before.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings