The already star-studded “GOAT Tour to India 2025” grew even bigger on Friday when organiser Satadru Dutta confirmed that Argentina World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul and Uruguayan legend Luis Suárez will
join Lionel Messi for the December visit.
“Game Set Match… So it’s now confirmed and official. World Cup winner Argentine superstar Rodrigo De Paul and Uruguayan and Barcelona legend Luis Suárez will join Messi for the ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’ Vamos,” Dutta posted on social media.
A reunion of familiar faces
De Paul, 30, was a key piece in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning midfield — tireless, combative and an ever-present partner to Messi on the national stage. His presence adds current elite-level credibility to the tour: he’s a regular starter for Atlético Madrid and brings World Cup-winning experience to the pitch and the masterclasses.
Suárez, meanwhile, needs little introduction. The 36-year-old is one of the most prolific strikers of his generation, with more than 500 career goals and a headline-grabbing partnership alongside Messi and Neymar at Barcelona that produced La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League crown. His flair and feistiness promise colourful moments both on and off the field.
Messi himself has already called the India tour an “honour,” saying he’s looking forward to returning to a passionate football nation he visited in 2011 with Argentina.
What fans can expect
The four-city tour kicks off in Kolkata on December 13, then moves to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and finishes in New Delhi. Events will include concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, football masterclasses, padel exhibitions, and the headline ‘GOAT Cup’ fixtures: Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata) on Dec 13, Wankhede (Mumbai) on Dec 14, and Arun Jaitley (New Delhi) on Dec 15.
The itinerary also includes a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15, underscoring the visit’s cultural and diplomatic significance.
This tour isn’t just a set of exhibition matches — it’s a major sporting and commercial moment for Indian football: global stars bringing grassroots clinics, corporate sponsorships, and huge live audiences to several major cities.
(with PTI inputs)
