Football legend Lionel Messi has landed in India for his much-hyped three-day visit. The GOAT India Tour began in Kolkata, moved on to Hyderabad and Mumbai, and is now set to conclude in New Delhi. Messi’s arrival at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium drew more than 50,000 fans who gathered simply to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winner waving to the crowd.
Stadiums in Mumbai and Delhi witnessed similar sell-out scenes, underlining Messi’s unmatched global appeal. After the chaotic scenes in Kolkata, security has been significantly tightened for the Delhi leg, where Messi is staying at The Leela Palace, with an entire floor reserved exclusively for him and his entourage.
Event Cost
What has shocked fans and critics alike is the staggering cost of the event. Estimates suggest that the GOAT India Tour generated between Rs 120–180 crore (13.2–19.8 million dollars) through sponsorships, ticket sales, and exclusive interactions.
Ticket Prices and Fan Frenzy
Tickets for Messi’s stadium appearances started at around Rs 4,300 and officially went up to Rs 50,000, while unofficial resale prices reportedly soared even higher. Fans paid these amounts for a brief walk-around, a wave, and a few words from Messi. Stadiums across Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi were packed, reflecting the immense demand to see the football icon in person.
Clicking Pictures with Messi
Meeting Messi came at an even steeper cost. Organisers announced that a single photograph with him was priced at Rs 9.95 lakh plus GST, with only 100 slots available per city. In Mumbai and Delhi alone, 200 people booked these premium slots, generating more than Rs 23 crore. In Delhi, reports suggest an exclusive closed-door meet-and-greet for select VIPs and corporate clients was priced at nearly Rs 1 crore per interaction.
During his Delhi visit, Messi is scheduled to attend a football clinic at Arun Jaitley Stadium, felicitate Minerva Academy’s youth teams, and participate in a nine-a-side exhibition match. He is also expected to meet prominent Indian sporting figures and dignitaries.
