Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived at Kolkata Airport late Friday night along with his teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Their arrival created a wave of excitement as thousands of fans gathered at the airport to welcome the global football stars ahead of a major football celebration in the city.
#WATCH | West Bengal | Star footballer Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata, officially kicking off his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. Visuals from outside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. pic.twitter.com/dzMK00Z5OP
— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025
The visit marks the start of Messi’s three-day tour of India, which is part of the G.O.A.T India Tour 2025.
Massive fan turnout at airport to see Lionel Messi
Despite the late hour, a large crowd assembled outside the airport. Supporters waved national flags, held up posters, and shouted Messi’s name in unison, hoping to catch even a brief glimpse of the football legend. Security arrangements were tightened as the players’ convoy quickly moved from the airport to their hotel.
Visuals from the scene showed thousands of fans lining the roads leading away from the airport. Many had travelled from nearby districts and even from other states to be part of the moment. In Kolkata, a city with a long-standing passion for football, Messi’s arrival is being viewed as a historic and emotional occasion.
Fans described the mood as celebratory, with cheers filling the night air. Several supporters said they had been waiting for hours just to see Messi arrive in the city.
#WATCH | West Bengal | Star footballer Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata, officially kicking off his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. Visuals from outside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. pic.twitter.com/WCcWeiH2D8
— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025
Lionel Messi Private events and statue inauguration
On Saturday morning, Messi is scheduled to attend a private meet-and-greet at his hotel. Several well-known personalities from Kolkata are expected to take part, including actors from the Tollywood film industry.
From the hotel, Messi will also virtually inaugurate a 70-foot statue, which has been created as a tribute to his contribution and influence on world football.
GOAT concert at Yuva Bharati Krirangan
After 11:30 am, Messi will travel to Yuva Bharati Krirangan to attend the highly anticipated GOAT concert. The event has been organised to honour his extraordinary football career and achievements.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be present at the stadium to felicitate Messi. Actor and Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan also reached the city late Friday night to attend the event. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is also expected to be part of the felicitation ceremony.
Lionel Messi Next Visit is Hyderabad
After completing his engagements in Kolkata, Messi is scheduled to fly to Hyderabad at around 2 pm on Saturday. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to meet the football star during his visit there.
For football lovers in Kolkata, Messi’s presence is far more than a celebrity visit. It is a joyful celebration of their deep connection with the sport and a rare opportunity to welcome one of the greatest footballers of all time to their city.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Announces Hyderabad As New Stop On His ‘GOAT Tour of India’ | All You Need To Know
