Kolkata, Dec 13: Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday to kick off the GOAT India Tour 2025, triggering massive fan turnout and tight security arrangements across the city.

Messi landed after travelling from Miami via Dubai, and despite the early morning hours, thousands of fans gathered outside the airport complex hoping to catch a glimpse of the World Cup-winning captain. Supporters waved Argentine flags, chanted his name and climbed barricades as police enforced a high-security cordon around the terminal.

“There’s a great atmosphere of joy that Messi is coming to India after 14 years,” tour organiser Satadru Dutta said. “Football’s connection with India is growing, and the response to this visit shows that.”

Messi’s visit marks his first trip to India since 2011.

The three-day tour will take the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Packed Kolkata Schedule
Messi’s Kolkata engagements begin with a closed-door meet-and-greet between 9.30 am and 10.30 am for select guests and organisers. He is also scheduled to virtually inaugurate a statue dedicated to him, underscoring Kolkata’s long-standing passion for football.

Later in the day, Messi will take part in a special event at Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), where thousands of fans are expected to attend. The programme includes a fan interaction session and a friendly exhibition featuring local players.

Tickets for the Kolkata events were made available through the District app, with prices starting at around Rs 4,500. Several categories sold out within hours of opening, according to organisers.

Security has been stepped up across venues, with city police deploying additional personnel to manage crowds during what is being billed as one of Kolkata’s biggest football-related events in recent years.

Messi will travel onward to other Indian cities as part of the tour before departing the country later this week.

Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Itinerary

📍 Kolkata | Saturday, Dec 13

9:30 am – 10:30 am:
Private meet-and-greet with select guests and organisers (closed-door event; venue not publicly disclosed).

Around 11:00 am:
Main public engagement at Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium).

During the stadium programme:

Virtual inauguration of a statue dedicated to Lionel Messi

Fan interaction session

Special football exhibition involving local players

Also Read: “When Ordered Messi from Meesho”: Argentine’s Kolkata Statue Became India’s Latest Meme

Post-event:
Messi is scheduled to depart Kolkata later in the day to continue the GOAT India Tour, with upcoming stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.