Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has wrapped up his whirlwind GOAT India Tour 2025, leaving behind a trail of memorable moments and one notable social media highlight. In his official Instagram recap of the trip, only one Bollywood celebrity made the cut: actress Kareena Kapoor Khan. This selective feature has sparked lively discussions among fans online, with many questioning the omission of other Indian icons like Shah Rukh Khan and footballer Sunil Chhetri.
Messi's Instagram Shoutout: A Solo Spotlight for Bebo
On December 17, Lionel Messi took to his Instagram to share a vibrant video montage from his recent multi-city tour across India. The post, captioned "Namaste India!", expressed gratitude for the warm welcome in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Messi also shared his hope for a bright future for football in the country. While the tour saw him interact with numerous Bollywood personalities, the official video prominently featured Kareena Kapoor Khan along with her sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan.
Kareena had previously shared photos of the special meeting, calling it taking 'the boys to meet their hero'. She later reposted Messi's tour video on her own Instagram Story, writing affectionately for her son, "'Ok Tim then this happened. For you," followed by a heart emoji. In the clips, Taimur wore a jersey with Messi's name, while younger brother Jeh sported an 'Argentina' jersey, showcasing their fan excitement.
The exclusive appearance did not go unnoticed. A clip shared on Reddit pointed out that Messi had "included only Kareena from Bollywood," with users commenting humorously, "Bro forgot even Chhetri ?♂️?." Other major stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff, who also met Messi during the tour, were absent from the official post.
Beyond Bollywood: Messi's Spiritual and Conservation Visit to Vantara
Prior to his social media recap, Messi's India itinerary included a significant visit beyond the football frenzy. On Tuesday, December 16, the global icon visited Vantara, a sprawling wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre initiated by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar. He was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
The football stars received a traditional welcome, complete with folk music and floral greetings. They participated in ceremonial rituals, including a traditional Hindu 'aarti', reflecting the cultural ethos of the initiative. Messi spent time interacting with the teams on the ground and observing the facility's work.
In an interview with PTI, Messi expressed deep admiration for the project. "What Vantara does is truly beautiful, the work for animals, the care they receive, the way they are rescued and looked after. It is genuinely impressive," he said. He added that they had a wonderful, comfortable experience and would visit again to support the meaningful work.
Tour Recap: From Chaotic Beginnings to a Grand Finale
Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025 was a packed three-day affair that evoked massive public response. The tour kicked off in Kolkata on Saturday, December 14, where the event faced organizational challenges, leading to fan frustration and reports of stadium vandalism. The football maestro then travelled to Hyderabad and Mumbai before concluding the tour in the national capital, Delhi, on Monday, December 16.
Despite the chaotic start, the tour succeeded in creating a bridge between the world's greatest footballer and his passionate Indian fanbase. The highlight for many, however, remains the unique intersection of sports and Bollywood glamour, perfectly encapsulated in Kareena Kapoor Khan's featured moment with her family on Messi's global social media platform. The tour has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, fueling conversations about football's growing footprint in India and the star-powered moments that defined the visit.
