In a historic moment for Indian football fans, legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi is set to visit Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on December 14 for a grand event organized by Wizcraft. The event, for which the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has granted permission, will be ticketed and may also feature appearances by superstar Indian cricketers.
Messi’s visit to Mumbai will be part of a three-city tour of India from December 13 to 15, which includes Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, celebrating his illustrious football career and global influence. In Kolkata, Messi is expected to be felicitated at Eden Gardens in the presence of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, conduct a football workshop for children, and inaugurate a football clinic. A seven-a-side tournament titled the “GOAT CUP” will also be held in his honor.
Separately, Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed in June that Team Argentina, led by Messi, will visit Kerala for a friendly match at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram in October or November 2025. The team will be treated as state guests with full government support.
Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS), last visited India in September 2011, when he played a friendly against Venezuela in Kolkata. Widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, the 38-year-old has won 8 Ballon d’Ors, 6 European Golden Shoes, and 45 career trophies.
His staggering records include:
- Most goals in a calendar year: 91
- Most goals for a single club: 672 (Barcelona)
- Most goals in La Liga: 474
- Most goal contributions in a FIFA World Cup: 21
- Most goal contributions in Copa América: 32
Messi famously led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ending a 36-year title drought for his nation.
