Lionel Messi set to play cricket game in India during upcoming promotional tour

Lionel Messi is set to participate in a cricket match alongside Indian cricket stars during his promotional tour in India, set to take place later this year. The Argentine Maestro is expected to visit cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai in India between December 13-15, 2025.

Lionel Messi to play cricket

As per multiple reports from India, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to reserve the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for December 14, 2025. Reportedly, Lionel Messi will play cricket along with some former and current cricketers in Mumbai's iconic stadium as a part of his promotional tour. The report did not throw light on any specific names of cricketers to become part of the promotional game.

A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association has told Indian Express:

"Messi will be at Wankhede Stadium on December 14. He is likely to play a cricket match, too, with former and current cricketers. The organisers will come up with a complete schedule once everything is finalised."

The speculated visit could mark Lionel Messi's second visit to India. He last visited Kolkata, India in 20111, where the Argentine took part in a friendly game against Venezuela in the Salt Lake Stadium. His upcoming tour is expected to have a stop at Kolkata, a city known for its love towards football.

In an interview via the Hindu in 2014, Lionel Messi shared his experience of visiting India in 2011. He said that the country's love towards had lasting impression on him:

"The last time I stepped into India, I was overwhelmed with the warmth and passion this country showered on me. India left its famously lasting impression and with that lingering memory, my family and I have always wanted to develop an association with the country."

Since then, Lionel Messi did visit India again but his fellow teammate Emiliano Martinez visited Kolkata for two days in July 2023. The tour happened after Argentina's magical win in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Currently, Lionel Messi plays for MLS side Inter Miami and is targeting to lift the MLS cup this year.