Argentine football icon Lionel Messi is all set to travel to India in December 2025 and his schedule includes a high-profile stop at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. According to reliable sources from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Messi will visit the legendary venue on December 14 during his three-day India tour. Plans are being finalized to host a cricket match featuring the football legend alongside Indian cricket giants like Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar.
There is speculation that Messi may even take a brief detour from football and pick up a bat to participate in the friendly match. Although participation from other Indian stars like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni remains unconfirmed, fans are excited at the possibility of seeing a cross-sport interaction of such magnitude. Given that Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar both reside in Mumbai, their attendance at the Wankhede event is highly probable, provided their schedules align.
This marks Messi’s second visit to India. His first visit was in 2011 when Argentina played a friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. During his December visit from the 13th to the 15th, Messi is also expected to travel to Delhi and Kolkata as part of his Indian itinerary.
A senior MCA official told Hindustan Times that the logistical aspects of the event are being worked out and that a cricket match featuring Messi and top Indian cricketers is under serious consideration. The official added that the final schedule will be released once all arrangements are confirmed.
While earlier reports suggested Messi might visit Kerala in October for a friendly match alongside the Argentina national team, those plans now appear unlikely to proceed. Messi’s visit to India in December is already generating massive buzz as he continues to shine for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The 38-year-old forward has remained in top form since guiding Argentina to a FIFA World Cup victory in 2022 and is expected to represent his country again in the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
With over 850 career goals and more than 375 assists, along with eight Ballon d’Or titles and numerous accolades from FIFA, Messi’s legendary status is undeniable. His upcoming visit to India is sure to be a historic event that merges the worlds of football and cricket in a never-before-seen spectacle.