Kolkata: Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’ simply acquired greater with Hyderabad added as the brand new southern leg cease to make sure followers within the area usually are not “disadvantaged” of seeing their idol following the cancellation of Argentina’s proposed pleasant in Kerala.

The choice so as to add Hyderabad comes within the wake of the cancellation of Argentina’s proposed pleasant in Kochi, which had been initially introduced by Kerala Sports activities Minister V Abdurahiman for November 17.

The revised plan now ensures Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour’ will span all 4 corners of India — east (Kolkata), south (Hyderabad), west (Mumbai) and north (New Delhi) — turning it into one of many largest sporting spectacles ever hosted within the nation.

“Now we’re overlaying south additionally. This shall be a tribute to thousands and thousands of soccer followers in South India,” Satadru Dutta, the only real organiser of the ‘GOAT Tour to India 2025’, advised PTI on Saturday.

“With this, each a part of India is roofed. West is roofed via Mumbai, east via Kolkata, north via Delhi. There’s a big Messi fan base in Chennai, Kerala and Hyderabad,” Dutta mentioned.

“I wished to make it a pan-India occasion and now that the Kerala occasion is cancelled, south individuals are getting disadvantaged to see Messi,” he mentioned, including that Hyderabad was chosen to offer the area its share of Messi magic.

“South must also get an publicity of Messi, so folks from south can journey to Hyderabad and watch him. Reserving for the Hyderabad occasion will occur inside every week. The occasion is confirmed and can both be held in Gachibowli or Rajiv Gandhi Worldwide Stadium,” Dutta confirmed.

He added that the Hyderabad leg won’t simply be one other cease, however a grand celebration.

“Will probably be an extension of GOAT Cup as there shall be a star match, soccer clinic, felicitation, musical programme. All of the superstars of south shall be in presence,” he revealed.

Dutta mentioned he has already held preliminary talks with native organisers in Hyderabad and acquired sturdy backing from them.

Revised Itinerary

Dec 12-13 (Kolkata): Arrival within the midnight or early hours; Meet and greet at Resort (9.30–10.40am); GOAT Cup at Salt Lake Stadium (11.30am–1.10pm); Statue unveiling at Sreebhumi, Lake Lake City; leaves for Hyderabad (2.15pm).

Dec 13 (Hyderabad): Meet and greet (5pm); GOAT Cup (7–8.45pm) at both Rajiv Gandhi or Gachibowli Stadiums.

Dec 14 (Mumbai): Meet and greet at Resort (12 midday); Padel GOAT Cup inauguration; GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium (5.30pm).

Dec 15 (New Delhi): Assembly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; GOAT Cup at Arun Jaitley Stadium (2.15pm).