Find Lionel Messi's India tour itinerary and latest update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s possible Goa appearance

According to the report, the Goa Police have already assured the club of full security arrangements, even if Ronaldo’s confirmation arrives close to matchday. “Confirmation on Ronaldo’s participation depends on Al-Nassr and is usually communicated close to travel,” Puskur said.

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The 39-year-old superstar has not been included in Al-Nassr’s first two ACL2 games, and FC Goa officials have already held meetings with state police to discuss crowd management and logistical preparedness for what could be one of the most high-profile football matches ever hosted in India.

Al-Nassr’s squad for the continental competition features several other global stars such as Sadio Mané, João Félix, and Kingsley Coman, adding further glamour to the potential contest in Goa.
However, Ronaldo’s appearance is still uncertain. According to Saudi sports journalist Falah Al-Jedaani, Ronaldo and new Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus have reportedly agreed that the forward will miss around 25 per cent of the club’s matches next season — including some AFC Champions League Two, King’s Cup, and lower-profile league fixtures — to help manage his workload.

The arrangement, as per the report, is part of a broader strategy to preserve the 40-year-old’s fitness for key matches and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Al-Nassr’s management and the player prioritising longevity and peak performance in crucial fixtures.

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Since joining Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2023, Ronaldo has been the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for two consecutive seasons, continuing to play a pivotal role for both club and country despite his advancing age.

For now, Indian fans can only wait to see whether the football icon will indeed take the field in Goa — a moment that would mark his first-ever professional appearance in India and potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local supporters.

Messi’s confirmed India tour

While Ronaldo’s visit remains uncertain, Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will be visiting India later this year as part of the GOAT Tour 2025, a multi-city event celebrating the Argentine legend’s illustrious career and global fan following.

In an official statement, Messi said, “It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic. India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”

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A look at Messi's itinerary

The tour, which begins on December 13 in Kolkata, will also take Messi to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. During his visit, the Argentine captain will headline concerts, host meet-and-greet sessions, attend food festivals, conduct football masterclasses, and even participate in a padel exhibition match in Mumbai alongside sports icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Shah Rukh Khan.

In Kolkata, Messi is set to attend an event at the Salt Lake Stadium, which previously hosted him in 2011 when he captained Argentina in a FIFA international friendly against Venezuela. He is also expected to share the stage with Indian sports legends Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.

The tour will culminate with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on December 15, marking a historic moment in Indian sports culture.

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This will be Messi’s first return to India in 14 years, and the organisers have described the tour as one of the biggest football-related events ever staged in the country. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also confirmed that Argentina will play a FIFA friendly in Kerala in November 2025, further deepening the nation’s connection with the World Cup-winning captain.