The city of Kolkata witnessed a spectacle unlike any other on December 13, 2025, as football legend Lionel Messi kicked off his highly anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 with the virtual unveiling of a towering 70-foot iron statue in his honor. The event, held at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, brought together the worlds of sport, entertainment, and fervent fandom, drawing thousands of supporters and a star-studded guest list that included Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Uruguayan footballer Luis Suárez.
Messi's arrival in Kolkata was met with a feverish excitement rarely seen in the city, which is often hailed as the unofficial home of football in India. Touching down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 2:26 AM IST, Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Fans had gathered in droves at Gate No. 4, chanting the Argentine’s name and waving flags well past midnight, desperate for a glimpse of their hero. Security was tight, and Messi was whisked away through the VIP gate, but the energy outside his hotel remained electric as crowds continued to swell, hoping for a fleeting moment with the football icon.
The day’s main event—the virtual unveiling of Messi’s statue—stood as a testament to his global influence. The 70-foot iron structure, depicting Messi triumphantly holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, was installed as a tribute to his legendary career and Argentina’s World Cup win. West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose, who hosted the event at the Hyatt Regency, shared, “Lionel Messi and his team are happy with the statue installed in Lake Town.” According to ANI, Bose added, “We have talked to his manager, and today we will talk to Messi... He gave his consent for the statue and they are also happy…”
The unveiling ceremony was a confluence of global icons. Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by his youngest son AbRam Khan, arrived at the venue and posed for photographs with Messi. The Bollywood actor, dressed in a grey hoodie, muted pants, and a black cap, was all smiles as Messi greeted him warmly and even signed an autograph for AbRam. The interaction was captured in a video later shared by PTI on X, delighting fans across the country. Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, both close friends and teammates of Messi, were also present, further adding to the star power of the occasion.
For Messi, the visit to Kolkata was more than just a ceremonial stop. It marked his first trip to India in 14 years, reigniting memories of his last appearance in the city in 2010, when he captained Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in a FIFA international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium. That match remains etched in the hearts of local football fans, and Messi’s return has only deepened the city’s affection for the global superstar.
However, the day was not without its challenges. Messi’s much-awaited visit to the Salt Lake Stadium was cut short due to overcrowding and logistical issues. Thousands of fans had packed the venue, but the excitement quickly turned chaotic when some began throwing plastic water bottles onto the field. Security personnel acted swiftly, escorting Messi out of the stadium after only half an hour, a move that left many supporters disappointed. The incident also led to the cancellation of planned meetings with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, as well as a children’s coaching clinic that Messi was scheduled to conduct.
Despite these hiccups, the city’s love for Messi was on full display. The statue itself, towering over Lake Town, has become an instant landmark and a pilgrimage site for football fans. Its depiction of Messi holding the World Cup trophy serves as a powerful symbol of his journey from Rosario to global superstardom and his indelible mark on the sport. The tribute was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club and the support of local sponsors, including RPSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, who met Messi and presented him with a Sa Re Ga Ma caravan featuring classic Indian songs.
The festivities in Kolkata extended beyond the statue unveiling. An all-star exhibition match between Mohun Bagan and Diamond Harbour took place at the Salt Lake Stadium, featuring former footballers such as Shilton Pal and Arnab. The event opened with a performance by local singer Anik Dar, followed by renditions of Ravindra Sangeet, adding a cultural touch to the sporting celebration. While Messi’s presence at the match was anticipated, the earlier stadium incident meant his participation was limited, but the spirit of the event remained undiminished.
Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 is far from over. After Kolkata, he is set to visit Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi over the next two days. In Hyderabad, Messi will headline a 7v7 football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, followed by a musical concert. Mumbai will host the Padel GOAT Cup at Brabourne Stadium and a celebrity football match, with stars like Shah Rukh Khan and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar expected to attend. The final leg in Delhi will feature events at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with Indian cricketers joining the celebrations. Notably, Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15, 2025, underscoring the national significance of his visit.
The excitement surrounding Messi’s tour has been palpable, with fans across India eager to witness history in the making. The fusion of football, Bollywood, and Indian culture has created a unique atmosphere, one that reflects the growing influence of the sport in the country and the universal appeal of its greatest stars. As Messi continues his journey through India, each stop promises more unforgettable moments, both for the football legend and the millions who idolize him.
While logistical challenges briefly threatened to overshadow the Kolkata festivities, the city’s enduring passion for football and its embrace of Messi have ensured that the GOAT India Tour 2025 will be remembered as a landmark chapter in the sporting history of the subcontinent. The newly unveiled statue stands tall as a symbol of admiration, unity, and the unbreakable bond between a legend and his fans.
