
Sruti Thakur
Sruti Thakur is a trainee sports journalist at india.com with a specialization in Broadcast Journalism. She has previously worked with a couple of startup channels as a sports content writing intern, ... Read More
New Delhi: Thousands ignored the December cold and stayed out past midnight to give Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi a grand welcome as he landed in Kolkata for his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025.
Around 2.26 am on Saturday, Messi touched down sparking, scenes of celebration across the city. Gate 4 of the international arrivals was packed with chanting fans, waving flags and recording the moment on their phones, while many ran between gates hoping to catch even a glimpse of their sporting hero.
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šØ BREAKING NEWS LEO MESSI šØ
– Leo Messi reached in Kolkata,This craze for Messi fan's in India is worth seeing š„¶š®š³!! pic.twitter.com/8HFj0fJ4ow
— lndian Sports Netwrk (@IS_Netwrk29) December 12, 2025
It was 3:30AM Saturday morning people in the streets lined up, welcoming Messi as his car passes by. Thank You India.šš®š³
pic.twitter.com/MtsLgvnSer— Messi Fanatic (@MessiFanatic_) December 12, 2025
Messi was swiftly taken out through the VIP gate amid tight security. A long convoy then escorted him to his hotel, where large crowds continued to wait late into the night. Barricades, heavy police presence and constant chants completed a citywide eruption of “Messi mania.”
Messi arrived alongside long-time strike partner Luis Suarez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Over the next 72 hours, he is set to travel across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, meeting chief ministers, Bollywood celebrities and later Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
VIDEO | Ahead of Argentine footballer Lionel Messiās arrival in Kolkata, Promoter and organiser of Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025, Satadru Dutta, says, āNot just Messi ā Rodrigo de Paul is coming, and Luis SuĆ”rez is also coming. So, I am very happy. His arrival will create a⦠pic.twitter.com/Non4k27Ysk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 12, 2025
Messi’s Kolkata itinerary starts with a private meet-and-greet from 9.30 to 10.30 am, which is reserved for select guests and organisers. He will then go online to virtually unveil a statue in his honour, reflecting the city’s strong admiration for the World Cup-winning star.
The biggest moment for fans is expected later in the day, as Messi is set to feature in a friendly match at Yuva Bharati Stadium, where a packed crowd is anticipated. His Kolkata visit will conclude with a fan interaction session at the same venue.
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