Football icon Lionel Messi on Tuesday departed from Jamnagar after visiting Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation centre, where he was hosted by Anant Ambani. Jamnagar marked the final stop of Messi’s much-celebrated GOAT India Tour 2025, bringing his first multi-city tour of the country to a close.
Four-City India Tour Draws Massive Fan Response
The GOAT India Tour 2025 saw the Argentine legend travel across four Indian cities — Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi — drawing unprecedented fan enthusiasm at every stop. The tour showcased Messi’s global appeal and India’s growing football culture.
Delhi Hosts Grand Finale With Celebrity Match
The national capital hosted the grand finale of the tour, concluding the four-city journey on a high note. Messi arrived in Delhi on December 15, accompanied by Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, following successful events in Mumbai.
The on-field programme at Arun Jaitley Stadium featured a celebrity football match between the Minerva Messi All Stars and the Celebrity Messi All Stars. After the match, Messi briefly stepped onto the field to interact with players from both teams.
Interaction With Young Footballers and Dignitaries
Messi also spent time with young footballers, exchanging passes with Suarez and De Paul, creating memorable moments for aspiring players.
The event concluded with a stage ceremony attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and several prominent dignitaries, including Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC); Rohan Jaitley, President of the Delhi and District Cricket Association; and former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia.
During the ceremony, Jay Shah presented specially curated Indian cricket jerseys to Messi, Suarez and De Paul. Messi was also presented with a commemorative cricket bat signed by legendary Indian cricketers.
Mumbai and Hyderabad Legs Highlight Cross-Sport Interactions
During the Mumbai leg of the tour, Messi visited Wankhede Stadium, where he met Indian football great Sunil Chhetri and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, underlining the cross-sport significance of the visit.
Hyderabad was Messi’s second stop, where fans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium witnessed the World Cup-winning star take part in a 7-on-7 exhibition football match. The event included participation from Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and Messi also met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, soaking in the energy of a passionate crowd.
Kolkata Leg Marred by Crowd Management Issues
Messi’s first stop in Kolkata, however, ended on a chaotic note. What was intended to be a celebration in one of India’s most football-loving states reportedly turned disorderly, with several fans expressing frustration over the limited visibility of the football icon amid the presence of VIPs and politicians on the pitch.
Jamnagar Visit Brings Tour to a Close
With his visit to Vantara in Jamnagar, Messi concluded his GOAT India Tour 2025, marking the end of a journey that blended football, celebrity interactions, fanfare, and cross-cultural engagement — reinforcing his enduring popularity in India.
