As Indian football fans prepare for a historic December, my heart is racing with excitement too. Lionel Messi, the living legend of football, is finally set to return to India with the much-anticipated ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’ – kicking off in Kolkata on December 12 before traveling to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour will culminate in an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15, making this a truly unforgettable chapter for sports in India.
For me, this isn’t just another headline – it feels deeply personal. I discovered my love for football during my stint working as an independent producer and fixer for international sports wire agency sntv.com here in India. Covering iconic sports events, particularly football, opened my eyes to the unmatched passion the game inspires. It was there that I began to truly understand the massive fan base for legendary players like Lionel Messi and my personal favorite, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Over the years, the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has fueled countless conversations, with both icons embodying unmatched discipline, strength, and brilliance. It’s almost impossible to think of one without the other. Yet, seeing Messi’s name linked with India once again fills me with pride and a thrilling sense of anticipation.
What makes this even more special for me is the possibility of Messi stepping onto Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium – a landmark etched into the city’s sporting history. Imagining him there, feels surreal.
Since 2023, my journey with sntv.com has continued as a freelance producer, and one of my career highlights was showcasing the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, hosted in India between October 11 and 30. That experience deepened my appreciation for how global football stories connect so powerfully with Indian fans – and why Messi’s visit is going to be nothing short of monumental.
This December, Messi’s presence won’t just be about the sport; it will be about culture, memory, and the shared joy that football brings. For fans across India, this is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
So, to all my fellow sports lovers and football fanatics – mark your calendars! From December 12 to 15, 2025, India will play host to the GOAT Tour of India, and Lionel Messi will finally grace our pitches and our hearts once again.
I, for one, can’t wait. ⚽
