Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated trip to India in December 2025 has encountered uncertainty after recent reports suggested he might visit Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. While the football icon is reportedly planning to visit Mumbai Delhi and Kolkata during his India tour a report by The Telegraph has cast doubt over his appearance in the City of Joy.
The Argentine legend is speculated to reach Kolkata on December 12 followed by a potential visit to Eden Gardens on December 13. However the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has stated that they are completely unaware of any such plans. CAB President Snehasish Ganguly expressed surprise upon hearing the news and confirmed that the organization has not received any formal notification or proposal regarding Messi’s visit to the venue.
Ganguly said “It’s surprising to hear that Messi is scheduled to visit Eden Gardens when we have not received any official information. I don’t know how this news is spreading when there has been no communication with us.”
An unnamed official from CAB added that permissions from the Indian Army and CAB’s apex body would be required before any event at Eden Gardens could be finalized. At present however no such procedure has begun indicating that Messi’s visit to the venue remains uncertain.
Meanwhile Messi’s itinerary for Mumbai appears more concrete. According to a Hindustan Times report Messi is scheduled to visit Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14 where he might take part in a cricket match featuring Indian legends such as Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar. A senior MCA official confirmed that logistical preparations are already in motion and a full announcement will be made once the plan is finalized.
This potential tour would mark Messi’s second visit to India after his 2011 appearance in Kolkata where he played a friendly international against Venezuela. Currently Messi plays for Inter Miami in the MLS and is recovering from an injury.