Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning, kicking off his much-anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025, as thousands of fans gathered at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to catch a glimpse of the global icon, news agency reported.
Upon landing, Messi was seen surrounded by tight security personnel and airport ground staff, many of whom were spotted recording the footballer’s arrival on their mobile phones. Despite heavy security, the excitement among fans was palpable.
VIDEO | West Bengal: Argentine footballer Lionel Messi arrived at Kolkata Airport accompanied by Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 12, 2025
(Source: Third Party)#LionelMessi
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/nNVfGvfpnX
Ahead of Messi’s arrival, large crowds of supporters assembled outside the airport, chanting his name and waving flags. Several fans were seen wearing Argentina’s World Cup jerseys, reflecting the footballer’s immense popularity in India. Fans also gathered near the Kolkata hotel where Messi is scheduled to stay during his visit.
In view of the massive turnout, security arrangements were significantly tightened around both the airport and the hotel premises, with barricades and enhanced police deployment to ensure smooth movement and safety, PTI added.
Second Visit to India After 14 Years
This marks Messi’s second visit to India. The football legend last visited the country in 2011, when he played a friendly match against Venezuela in Kolkata.
Messi’s three-day tour, which began on Friday, will take him to four Indian cities. After starting his visit in Kolkata, the Argentine icon will travel to Hyderabad later the same day. On the second day, he will be in Mumbai, before concluding his tour in New Delhi on Monday.
Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
On the final day of his visit, Lionel Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi, following which he will depart from India.
Events Planned in Kolkata
During his Kolkata stay, Messi will attend a sponsor-exclusive meet-and-greet between 9:30 am and 10:30 am on Friday, which will feature an Argentine–Indian fusion food festival.
The footballer will also virtually unveil his “biggest-ever statue”, a towering 70-foot structure, from his team hotel. Although Messi was initially expected to unveil the statue in person at Sreebhumi, police authorities did not grant permission for an on-site public event, prompting organisers to shift to a virtual unveiling.
Massive Crowd Expected at Stadium Event
Organisers expect a crowd of over 70,000 people at the stadium event linked to Messi’s visit. Due to overwhelming demand, 75,000 seats have been made available after counter ticket sales were opened earlier this week.
Messi’s arrival has triggered widespread excitement among football fans across the country, underscoring his enduring status as one of the greatest players of all time.