Last week, Lionel Messi confirmed on Instagram that he will return to India for the first time in 14 years. The Inter Miami forward is set to visit at least three cities in India, with the three confirmed so far being Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata in December.
The last time Messi visited India was back in 2011, and he confirmed on social media that he will return to the country between 13 December to 15 December. On Instagram, he hinted at visiting four cities in total, as after naming the three he will visit, he wrote: “maybe one more city”. He also added: “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.”
The stadiums he will visit include:
- Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata (13 December)
- Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai (14 December)
- Arun Jaitley in New Delhi (15 December)
He will attend events such as paddle tournaments, youth football clinics, concerts and launch charitable initiatives during different events at stadiums in places he will visit. He also wrote how he is excited to meet the biggest stars of India during his time in the country.
Lionel Messi is currently playing for US club Inter Miami in the MLS. The club is owned by David Beckham and currently sit third in the Eastern Conference. Although the Argentinian winger is getting towards the latter stages of his career, this season he has 32 goals and 17 assists in only 41 matches.
There is a possibility that it will be Messi’s second visit to India in two months, as Argentina are expected to take on India in Kerala in a friendly match during the November international break. It will not be the first time Messi plays in the country, as he faced Venezuela back in 2011 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
