On December 14, Messi will make a special appearance at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium for a ticketed event, which has already received official approval from the Mumbai Cricket Association. The renowned event organizer Wizcraft is behind this occasion, and the event is anticipated to feature notable Indian cricketers as well. This visit is set to add a new chapter to the legendary moments witnessed at the Wankhede, which include the 2011 Cricket World Cup final.
Messi is expected to visit India from December 13-15. The Inter Miami star will also travel to Delhi and Kolkata. This would be Messi’s second visit to India. He had earlier visited the country in 2011 when Argentina played a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
“Yes, Lionel Messi will be visiting the Wankhede Stadium on December 14. The finalisation of logistics is well and truly underway. There are plans for organising a cricket match with some of the biggest names in India. The complete schedule will be made public once there is confirmation on the logistics and schedule,” a top MCA official told HT, and if all goes according to plan, he might ditch his football boots for a bat and ball. Yes, you read that right. The organisers are working out logistics to possibly get Messi to play a cricket match against some of the biggest Indian superstars, such as Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar. As for whether Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni will make an appearance, your guess is as good as ours.
Considering Rohit and Tendulkar live in Mumbai, the duo might make an appearance at the Wankhede for a meeting with Messi if their schedule allows. Sources within the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed to The Hindustan Times that Messi would indeed visit the iconic venue on December 14.
Before Mumbai, Messi’s itinerary includes Kolkata on December 13. At Eden Gardens, he is scheduled to be felicitated in a ceremony attended by West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. During his stay in Kolkata, Messi will conduct a football workshop for children, inaugurate a football clinic, and launch a seven-a-side tournament named the “GOAT Cup” in his honor. On December 15, his tour concludes in Delhi, where he is expected to meet the Indian Prime Minister and visit a major sports venue, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or Feroz Shah Kotla Ground. Both Delhi and Mumbai will also see additional grassroots youth football activities.
Earlier, Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman had revealed that Messi would be visiting the state with the rest of the Argentina football team for a friendly game in October. This was confirmed after the state government reached an agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to host two games in Kerala.
That seems unlikely at this stage that this plan will go ahead. Messi is one of the most popular football stars in India. The 38-year-old is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). He was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022 after his side defeated France in a thrilling final.
“During his stay in Kolkata, Messi will conduct a football workshop for children and launch a football clinic. A seven-a-side tournament called the “GOAT CUP” will also be organised in his honour at the Eden Gardens.” the report added.
Messi last visited India in 2011 when Argentina took on Venezuela. The tie between Argentina and Venezuela ended in a goalless draw