Mumbai : Lionel Messi on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, calling it an “honour” to revisit the “passionate football nation” where he last played 14 years ago.

“It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi said in an official statement.

“India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game,” he added.

The organisers had already unveiled the itinerary on August 15, and Messi’s statement on Thursday marked the first time the football icon himself confirmed the visit.

Messi will begin his whirlwind four-city tour in Kol

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