FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi will return to India for the first time in 14 years as part of the GOAT Tour of India, beginning December 13.
He will travel across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez.
On Day 1, December 13, in Kolkata, Messi will arrive early morning and check into a five-star hotel on EM Bypass. He will inaugurate a 70-foot statue titled Monumento de Messi, created by artist Monti Pal, through a virtual ceremony due to security concerns. Later, he will attend a felicitation program at Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium from 10 am to 1:05 pm. Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will join him. In addition, Messi will conduct a coaching clinic for children.
Later the same day in Hyderabad, Messi will fly to the city to kick off the GOAT Cup exhibition match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at 7 pm, alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Afterwards, he will attend a private meet-and-greet dinner at Falaknuma Palace with Tollywood stars.
On Day 2, December 14, in Mumbai, Messi will participate in a charity fashion show at the Cricket Club of India featuring Bollywood celebrities John Abraham, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Jackie Shroff. He will also play a padel match with cricket icons, including Sachin Tendulkar, with discussions involving Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni. Later, he will join a coaching clinic at Wankhede Stadium, where 60 children selected under Project Mahadev will train with him.
Finally, on Day 3, December 15, in New Delhi, Messi will conclude his tour at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he will felicitate Minerva Academy, winners of three European youth trophies this year. He will also conduct coaching clinics for children before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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