Lionel Messi will return to India after 14 years. The 38-year-old Rosario native will visit the Asian country between December 13 and 15 to lead a series of charitable activities that will include tournaments, concerts, and appearances at iconic stadiums.
"I'm very happy to visit such a beautiful country. It will be a pleasure to attend concerts, children's soccer practices, a padel tournament, and also the launch of charitable initiatives at historic stadiums in Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and perhaps one more city," wrote the star on his social media.
La imagen compartida por Messi en Instagram
The tour will begin in Kolkata, where he will take part in the "GOAT Cup" and the "GOAT Concert," alongside local figures such as Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes. Ticket prices start at 3,500 rupees (42 dollars at the current exchange rate).
He will then continue in Mumbai, with the presence of personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Shah Rukh Khan. Finally, the tour will conclude in New Delhi, where a 7.5-meter (24 feet 7 inches) mural and the largest statue dedicated to Messi will be unveiled.
The last time he was in India was in 2011, when the Argentina National Team coached by Alejandro Sabella made its debut with a 1-0 win in a friendly in Kolkata against Venezuela.
Argentina's previous stop in India
For the FIFA November window, the national team will play two friendlies, one in Luanda (Angola) and another precisely in India, specifically in Kerala. However, the opponents still need to be determined and it is also unknown whether Messi will be drafted by Lionel Scaloni.
