Kolkata, India, witnessed a vibrant fusion of sports and entertainment today as football legend Lionel Messi kicked off his GOAT India Tour 2025. The Argentine icon's visit was marked by the unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue and a meeting with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning, December 13, as part of his GOAT Tour India 2025, receiving a rousing welcome from fans. This visit marks Messi's return to India after 14 years, his last being in 2011 when he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The day's festivities began with the unveiling of Messi's 70-foot statue at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town. The iron statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and was completed in a record 40 days. West Bengal Minister and club president Sujit Bose confirmed that Messi and his team had given their consent for the statue and were pleased with it. According to Bose, the monument honors Messi's achievements and will inspire football lovers in the region.
Adding to the excitement, Messi met with Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. Khan was present at the Salt Lake Stadium for an event dedicated to Messi. Videos circulating on social media showed Khan arriving at the Kolkata airport. Khan also shared a post on X, expressing his excitement about meeting Messi.
The event at Salt Lake Stadium included a felicitation by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In Messi's honor, a seven-a-side tournament, the GOAT Cup, will be held at the stadium. Messi is also expected to share the field with Indian sports icons Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes, hold a workshop for children, and launch a football clinic.
Kolkata is the first stop on Messi's GOAT Tour of India 2025, which will also include Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Messi will be in India from December 13–15. Following his Kolkata engagements, Messi will travel to Hyderabad.
The statue unveiling and Messi's visit have generated considerable excitement among football enthusiasts in India. The event highlights Messi's global stature and his enduring connection with Indian football fans.
