Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi received a warm welcome from thousands of fans in Kolkata. Messi has arrived in India as part of his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025.
Kolkata: Lionel Messi, captain of the FIFA World Cup-winning Argentine team and one of the biggest stars in world football, has arrived in India. His arrival in Kolkata at 2:26 AM on Saturday morning was met with tremendous enthusiasm in the city. Messi is beginning his much-anticipated three-day, four-city ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’ from Kolkata. Thousands of fans gathered outside the airport, hotels, and event venues hours in advance to welcome him.
Messi’s arrival has once again proven how passionate India, especially Kolkata, is about football. Fans were eager to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend. Banners, hoardings, posters, and large cutouts have been put up throughout the city, reflecting the people’s adoration for Messi.
Grand Felicitation Ceremony and Friendly Match
On Saturday afternoon, Messi will participate in a grand felicitation ceremony at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly, and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan are also expected to attend the ceremony.
Following this, Messi will also participate in a friendly match, which has generated immense excitement among spectators. Tickets for the ceremony sold out in record time despite being expensive, a testament to Messi’s popularity in India.
Packages Worth Lakhs to Meet Messi
Recognizing Messi’s popularity, the organizers have also offered premium packages for special experiences. A package has been set at INR 9.95 lakhs per person to meet Messi privately in Kolkata, take photos with him, obtain signed jerseys, and dine with him. The amount for two people is INR 12.50 lakhs, while for four people it goes up to INR 25 lakhs. A special package to honor Messi has been priced at INR 95 lakhs for the corporate sector. Many slots for these packages have already been booked.
Before the felicitation ceremony, Messi will inaugurate his 70-foot-tall statue in the Lake Town area. According to the organizers, this will be the tallest statue of Lionel Messi in the world. It is considered a symbol of Kolkata’s love for football and respect for Messi.
Messi will also meet two of his very special Indian fans. One is Shiv Shankar Patra, a tea seller by profession who has been a huge fan of Messi for years. After his story went viral on social media, the organizers gave him this special opportunity. The other fan is Souminder Ghosh, the owner of Leo Cafe in Dumdum, Kolkata, who considers his cafe a temple dedicated to Messi.
