Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Football legend Lionel Messi arrived in India on December 13, 2025, for his highly anticipated three-day GOAT Tour, marking his first visit since 2011. Accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, the tour spans Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, featuring fan meet-and-greets, exhibitions, and charity events.
The Kolkata leg began with Messi virtually unveiling a 70-foot statue of himself, but a brief 20-minute appearance at Salt Lake Stadium sparked outrage. Frustrated fans, expecting more interaction, vandalized seats, threw objects, and invaded the pitch, forcing an early exit. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized, and the event organizer was detained.
In contrast, the Hyderabad event at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was a success, with Messi delighting crowds through skill displays and interactions.
The tour continues in Mumbai on December 14 and concludes in New Delhi on December 15, with heightened security measures in place.
