• Source:JND
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Lionel Messi, the legendary footballer, is all set to make an appearance at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14 during his much-awaited visit to India.

According to a report in the Times of India, Mumbai is part of a whirlwind, three-city Indian tour from December 13 to 15, marking Messi’s first visit to India in over a decade. As per the report, Messi’s tour could start from Kolkata, where he’ll be felicitated at the Eden Gardens.

The day will also feature a ceremonial "GOAT Cup"—a seven-a-side football match before Messi becomes a part of the workshop and a football clinic for local youth designed to foster India's grassroots football culture. After outing in Mumbai, Messi will wrap up his trip with an event in Delhi.

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"Yes, Messi is set to visit the Wankhede Stadium for an event on December 14. The organisers of the event (Wizcraft) have sought permission for the event, which will be ticketed. Their request was discussed by the Mumbai Cricket Association's Apex Council in a meeting recently, and the permission was granted," a reliable source in the MCA was quoted by TOI as saying. "A couple of superstar cricketers may also attend the event," he added.

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On June 6, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman had confirmed that the Argentina football team, led by Messi, will visit Kerala for a friendly match in October or November at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala government had also announced in 2024 that they are arranging a friendly game for Argentina.

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and is enjoying his time in the United States. The 38-year-old has had a remarkable career, having won eight Ballon d’Ors, six European Golden Shoes, and an unrivalled 45 team trophies. His staggering records include the most goals for a single club (672), most goals in La Liga (474), and most World Cup goal contributions (21).

Messi's captaincy culminated in Argentina's third World Cup triumph in 2022, ending a 36-year wait for his nation.

Notably, Messi last set foot on Indian soil in September 2011, when a youthful Argentina defeated Venezuela in a friendly in Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.