Messi’s India Tour Triggers Ticket Frenzy in Kolkata as Young Fans Spend Thousands for a Glimpse of the Football Icon
Source: Reuters
Excitement in Kolkata has reached a fever pitch as young fans prepare for the arrival of Lionel Messi, who is set to attend an event in the city on December 13 as part of the privately organised GOAT Tour of India 2025. The football legend will visit Kolkata before travelling to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi for a series of public engagements, including a celebrity match and a masterclass at the Salt Lake Stadium — the same venue where he last played in India in 2011.
For thousands of fans, the announcement marks a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their sporting idol in person, prompting an overwhelming response at the ticket counters.
Young Fans Spend Big to See Their Idol
Fans in the city are spending anywhere between ₹5,000 and ₹13,000 to secure their spot at the event, treating the expense as secondary to the emotional significance of Messi’s appearance.
Videographer Apratim Majumder, who purchased a ticket for ₹5,500, described the event as nothing short of a pilgrimage:
“This tour isn’t just an event; it’s a pilgrimage marking Lionel Messi’s monumental return to Kolkata… It promises glorious chaos as thousands gather to witness the living legend.”
Majumder added that Messi’s humility and brilliance made the decision easy:
“What I revere most about Messi isn’t just his technical brilliance but the quiet humility with which he dominates the sport.”
For others, the anticipation is intertwined with childhood memories.
Social media manager Aditya Mukherjee, who paid ₹7,000 for his ticket, said:
“Since I was a kid, I dreamt of becoming a footballer. I grew up watching Messi on YouTube, copying his style. Even after football became a weekend activity due to work, Messi remained my hero.”
His friend Srishti Sinha, who spent ₹5,000, echoed the sentiment:
“I love and respect Messi — a hard worker, gentleman, balanced in every way.”
A Historic Relationship Between Kolkata and Global Football Icons
Kolkata has long been a city where global football legends are welcomed with unmatched passion. India’s national team may currently be ranked 142 in the FIFA table, but the city’s football culture has always been deeply international.
Legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin visited India in 1955, and Pelé received a hero’s welcome during his 1977 tour.
Diego Maradona visited India twice, in 2008 and 2017, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the region.
For many fans, Messi represents the continuation of this emotional legacy.
Businessman Zulfiqar Ahmed, who missed Messi’s 2011 match because of a family emergency, said he would not let the opportunity slip again:
“I thought I had lost my only chance 14 years ago. This time I’ve left nothing to chance. I’ve already bought my ticket.”
Comparing the experience to attending a classical music concert, Ahmed added:
“Why do people go watch Amjad Ali Khan live when they can listen to his CDs? Why watch football in a stadium when home is more comfortable? It’s for the experience — the atmosphere their presence creates.”
The Anticipated Impact of Messi’s Visit
Messi’s arrival is expected to generate:
- A massive tourism boost for Kolkata
- Increased footfall at hotels and restaurants
- A surge in merchandise and memorabilia sales
- Renewed interest in grassroots football among young fans
Local organisers anticipate a full house at Salt Lake Stadium, with many fans willing to stand for hours just to catch a glimpse of their idol.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s return to Kolkata, after more than a decade, has ignited a wave of enthusiasm that transcends sport. For the city’s football-loving youth, the event is more than a star appearance — it is an emotional homecoming of one of the greatest footballers of all time. As fans across age groups prepare to fill the stadium on December 13, Messi’s India tour is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Messi’s India tour reflects the deep cultural connection Kolkata shares with global football icons. The enthusiasm of young fans spending their savings, revisiting childhood dreams, and celebrating their hero shows the city’s enduring passion for the sport. As the countdown begins, Messi’s presence is set to create memories that will live far beyond the event — reaffirming why Kolkata remains the emotional capital of football in India.