Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata for India Goat Tour 2025, unveils his 70-feet statue
The international arrivals area was filled with loud chants, flags and mobile phone flashes as fans rushed around hoping to catch even a quick glimpse of him.
PTC News Desk: Thousands of fans ignored the cold December night and waited past midnight to warmly welcome Argentine football star Lionel Messi when he arrived in Kolkata for his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. Messi landed at 2.26 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, and his arrival sparked huge excitement across the city.
The international arrivals area was filled with loud chants, flags and mobile phone flashes as fans rushed around hoping to catch even a quick glimpse of him. Children sat on shoulders, drums were beaten, and tight security escorted Messi out through the VIP gate. A large convoy then took him to his hotel, where many fans were still waiting late into the night.
Messi, Argentina’s World Cup–winning captain, is in India from December 13. He was joined by fellow World Cup winner Rodrygo de Paul and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez as part of the GOAT tour group.
During his stay, Messi has a busy schedule. He will take part in sponsored events in Kolkata, be honoured by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Salt Lake Stadium, and attend a function with well-known personalities such as Sourav Ganguly and Shah Rukh Khan. He also inaugurated his 70-foot statue in Lake Town.