Messi India Tour: Kolkata Gears Up for the City of Joy’s Football Icon

 

Kolkata is all set to welcome football royalty as Lionel Messi, the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning captain of Argentina and global football icon, begins his three-day India tour on December 13.

 

Messi’s tour will also take him to Ahmedabad and Mumbai on December 14, and Delhi on December 15, before he returns. But it is Kolkata, often hailed as the Mecca of Indian football, that is attracting the most attention. The city boasts a rich football heritage, being home to some of India’s oldest clubs, including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting Club.

 

A highlight of Messi’s visit is the Kolkata Derby-themed exhibition match between Mohun Bagan Messi All Stars and East Bengal Messi All Stars, announced by Satadru Dutta. The game will feature top Indian and international footballers in an 11-a-side competitive format and is expected to take place at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. Dutta shared on Facebook, “I had told Messi about Kolkata Derby. This is a small tribute from my side.” The post added that Messi will present the trophy to the winning team.

 

Tickets for the Kolkata leg of Messi’s tour are already on sale via the District by Zomato app, priced between ₹4,366 and ₹11,800. The Salt Lake Stadium will also host the GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup, featuring Indian sporting legends such as Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes during a noon session, followed by fan interactions in the evening. However, official confirmation is pending on whether these stars will participate in the Kolkata Derby match.

 

Before the December tour, Messi’s Argentina will face Australia in an international friendly at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Kochi on November 17. The team will arrive in Kochi on November 14, with tickets going on sale from October 15. Organisers are also planning a fan meet in Kochi and a roadshow in Kozhikode.