Mumbai: Argentina’s football icon Lionel Messi is expected to make a grand return to India this December, blending the worlds of cricket and football in an unprecedented sporting celebration. The 37-year-old legend will attend a series of high-profile events scheduled across Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata from December 13 to 15, honouring his illustrious career and love for the game.
The highlight of Messi’s visit will be an unconventional twist a celebrity cricket match at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on December 14. The event, organized by Viscraft and greenlit by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), is set to feature a seven-a-side cricket match with India’s cricketing royalty, including Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
The Apex Council of the MCA reportedly discussed and approved the proposal recently, opening the doors for a spectacle that merges football flair with cricketing charm. Though details remain under wraps, sources suggest Messi may also pad up and pick up the bat offering fans a never-before-seen version of the football superstar.
Beyond the cricket field, Messi’s visit will span three major cities. The celebrations will begin in Kolkata, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to host a gala event at Eden Gardens, paying tribute to Messi’s contribution to global football. A football workshop for children and a sevens tournament titled the "Goat Cup" are also on the cards, aiming to inspire grassroots talent.
The tour will then move to Delhi, where Messi will participate in ceremonial programs and public interactions, before concluding in Mumbai with the unique cricketing showdown.
Meanwhile, Kerala's Sports Minister V. Abdurahman had previously hinted at a possible friendly match featuring the Argentine national team, possibly including Messi, at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram during October or November. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding this fixture.
Messi’s last visit to India was in 2011, when he led Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, leaving behind a trail of ecstatic fans and cherished memories. His return, this time with cricket in the spotlight, promises another historic moment in India’s sporting calendar.
As anticipation builds, India awaits not just a football legend but a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that unites two of the world’s most beloved sports.