WATCH: Massive crowd in Kolkata welcomes Argentina icon Lionel Messi as GOAT India tour begins

Thousands of fans stayed up past midnight to give Argentine football icon Lionel Messi a grand welcome as he landed in Kolkata for his fast-paced three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025.

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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🚨 BREAKING NEWS LEO MESSI 🚨

– Leo Messi reached in Kolkata,This craze for Messi fan's in India is worth seeing 🥶🇮🇳!! 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.🙏🇮🇳
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 Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul

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 Messi’s arrival in Kolkata, Promoter and organiser of Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025, Satadru Dutta, says, “Not just Messi — Rodrigo de Paul is coming, and Luis Suárez 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

Lionel Messi’s Kolkata itinerary

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.