Messi's visit brings spotlight, but Indian football has nothing to show for

Lionel Messi is set to touch down in India for a highly anticipated three-day GOAT Tour, scheduled from December 13 to 15. The football legend will travel to four cities — Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi — making it one of the most high-profile sporting visits the country has ever witnessed.

The Argentine magician will be flying in from Miami, with a brief layover in Dubai aimed at adjusting to the time difference. He is expected to land in Kolkata around 1.30 a.m. on December 13, before embarking on a packed three-day itinerary.

This is his second visit to India, after taking part in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Venezuela in a friendly match in Kolkata in 2011.