PTI
Kolkata: There was a different atmosphere in Kolkata on Saturday morning. As soon as the news of Lionel Messi's arrival in the city broke, the City of Joy literally went into celebration. This was not an ordinary day for football lovers. Messi has come to India for the first time since 2011, so people's enthusiasm about welcoming him was clearly visible for many days. From the airport to the big areas of the city, only one name was echoing – Messi.
As the morning dawned, thousands of fans took to the streets. Some were wearing Argentine jerseys, some were waving flags, and many were standing just hoping to catch a glimpse. The situation became so crowded that the security agencies had to immediately change their plans. Instead of the fixed route, Messi was taken through a different route. The administration says that this decision was taken only considering the security and time situation.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Star footballer Lionel Messi virtually unveils his 70-foot statue installed at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town during the first leg of his G.O.A.T. Tour India 2025 pic.twitter.com/dYFPW7KsBg
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
As soon as he stepped into Kolkata, Lionel Messi met actor Shahrukh Khan and his son Abram at the Salt Lake Stadium. This meeting took place in a very casual and limited circle, but as soon as its glimpse came to light, the pictures and videos spread rapidly on social media. Shahrukh Khan's passion for football is not hidden from anyone, so the coming together of legends from these two different fields became memorable for the fans.
The most special and symbolic moment of Messi's visit was the virtual inauguration of his 70-foot-tall statue. West Bengal Government Minister Sujit Bose was also present in this program held at Salt Lake Stadium. On this occasion, Messi said that the affection and love he is getting in India is very special for him. This statue has now become not only a symbol of Messi but also a symbol of the growing craze and new identity of football in the country.
Messi will participate in many programs during his stay in Kolkata. He is also likely to meet former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Organizers say that this tour is an attempt to combine sports and culture, in which Kolkata's identity is being presented on the international stage.
This tour of Messi is not limited to Kolkata only. ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’ has started from Eastern India. After this Messi will go to Hyderabad, then Mumbai, and finally reach Delhi. This tour, which will run from 13 to 15 December, is an attempt to unite the love of football spread in different parts of the country.
Messi's presence clearly indicates that the football craze in India is no longer limited to stadiums only. The way people took to the streets, it is clear that the Indian audience now wants to be a part of the global football culture. In the coming time, this tour can also open the way for big international sports events.
VIDEO | Kolkata: Football icon Lionel Messi to virtually unveil his 70-foot statue from Salt Lake stadium, with West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan present at the event.#LionelMessi #Kolkata #Football
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2025
(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/dqISIwMgl4
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