'Thank you, Messi!' Maharashtra CM Fadnavis confirms Argentina legend’s India comeback after 14 years

Lionel Messi is coming to Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis confirms December 14 GOAT Tour stop

Lionel Messi is officially coming back to India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed on Sunday evening that the Argentine World Cup champion will visit Mumbai on December 14, 2025, as part of the much-anticipated GOAT Tour.

This will be Messi’s first trip to India since 2011, when he led Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

The 38-year-old maestro, now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the hero of Argentina’s 2022 Qatar World Cup triumph, has sparked weeks of speculation over his India plans.

A signed gift, and a big promise

Messi has already made his presence felt. Fadnavis revealed that the football legend sent him a personally signed ball, which the CM showcased while announcing the visit.

Sharing the news on X, Fadnavis wrote:

“Guess what! Lionel Messi is coming to Maharashtra and will play football with you, my young friends! Thank you, Messi, for gifting me your personally signed football! I welcome your forthcoming visit to Mumbai on 14th December 2025 as a part of the GOAT Tour!”

Guess what!
Lionel Messi is coming to Maharashtra and….
will play football with you, my young friends 😊!

Thank you, Messi for gifting me your personally signed football!
I welcome your forthcoming visit to Mumbai on 14th December 2025, as a part GOAT Tour!

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Under-14 young… pic.twitter.com/YkuicNk4dT

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 21, 2025

Young footballers to train with Messi

For young football hopefuls in Maharashtra, this isn’t just a star appearance, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The state Sports Department, along with MITRA and the Western India Football Association (WIFA), will select under-14 players from across Maharashtra.

On December 14, these youngsters will get to train and practice with Messi himself, a moment that could inspire the next generation of Indian football talent.

Fadnavis also appealed to corporates and fans to support the initiative, calling it an effort to bring world-class training to Maharashtra’s youth.

Argentina to play a friendly in Kerala

Messi’s trip won’t be limited to Mumbai. Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman separately confirmed that Argentina’s national team, led by Messi, will play a friendly match in Kerala during the November 2025 FIFA International Window.

Posting on Facebook, Abdurahiman wrote: “Messi will come. Official confirmation received through official mail that the Qatar World Cup-winning Argentina team, including Lionel Messi, will arrive in Kerala for a friendly match.”