Kolkata is buzzing with anticipation as the city prepares to welcome football’s greatest, Lionel Messi, for a historic visit on December 13, 2025. The Argentine legend’s arrival marks a monumental moment, not just for Indian football fans but for the city’s vibrant sporting and cultural scene. It’s been 14 years since Messi last set foot in Kolkata, when he led Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. This time, the stage is even grander, with the city rolling out the red carpet for the global superstar as part of his GOAT India Tour.
Messi’s itinerary is nothing short of spectacular. The main event will unfold at Vivekananda Yuvabharti Krirangan—better known as Salt Lake Stadium—where an impressive gathering of celebrities, sports icons, and political dignitaries will come together to honor the football maestro. Among the high-profile attendees are Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, cricket legend Sourav Ganguly, and tennis great Leander Paes. The city’s excitement is palpable, with fans pouring in from every corner of the region to catch a glimpse of their hero and take part in the celebrations.
One of the event’s most anticipated highlights is the unveiling of a colossal 70-foot statue of Messi, which organizers claim is the largest of its kind in the world. Commissioned by West Bengal Minister Sujit Basu and crafted by artist Monty Pal alongside a team of thirty skilled artisans, the statue stands tall next to the clock tower in Sreebhumi (Lake Town), near the heart of Kolkata. Using specialized fiber technology, the team completed this ambitious project in a matter of days, a testament to both their dedication and the city’s fervor for the beautiful game. According to reports, the statue itself measures 50 feet, but with its base, it soars to a staggering 70 feet—a fitting tribute to Messi’s towering legacy.
Security concerns have prompted organizers to opt for a remote unveiling of the statue, ensuring both Messi’s safety and the smooth flow of the event. “The football crazy city Kolkata is all gearing up for the grand welcome,” reported Anirban Sinha Roy of India Today. The city’s preparations extend far beyond the stadium, with banners, murals, and Messi-themed decorations popping up across neighborhoods, turning Kolkata into a living celebration of football and its global icons.
Messi’s visit is more than just a ceremonial affair. The schedule is packed with a variety of activities designed to celebrate both his career and the city’s passion for sport. In addition to the statue dedication, Messi will participate in a meet-and-greet with fans and local footballers, attend a special cultural event showcasing Bengal’s rich traditions, and take part in an exhibition football match. The match will see Mohun Bagan 'Messi' All Stars face off against Diamond Harbour 'Messi' All Stars, promising a spirited contest that blends local talent with international flair.
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood” and owner of the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, has been particularly vocal about his excitement for the event. Teasing his fans on social media, SRK posted, “This time round not planning my Knight in Kolkata… and hoping the day Ride is completely ‘Messi’. See you guys on the 13th at the Salt Lake Stadium.” His presence, alongside other sporting and entertainment luminaries, underlines the event’s significance not just as a sporting spectacle, but as a cultural phenomenon uniting diverse communities.
Messi’s wife, Antonella, is also expected to accompany him, and local organizers have planned a warm Bengali welcome for the couple. Antonella will reportedly receive a traditional sari, while Messi himself is set to don customary Bengali attire during the festivities. The football icon will also have the chance to savor regional delicacies such as ilish, shrimp, nolen gur, roshogolla, and mishti doi—an authentic taste of Kolkata’s culinary heritage.
The symbolism of the statue goes beyond mere celebration. It stands as a testament to Messi’s global influence and the city’s deep affection for the sport. As Monty Pal, the artist behind the statue, explained, the project was a labor of love: “We wanted to create something that captures not just Messi’s greatness on the pitch, but the inspiration he brings to millions of fans around the world.” The statue is expected to become a major landmark, drawing visitors and football enthusiasts for years to come.
The event will also see Messi honored by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who, along with Sourav Ganguly and Shah Rukh Khan, will felicitate him in front of a packed stadium. The gathering of such illustrious personalities highlights the unique intersection of sports, politics, and entertainment that defines Kolkata’s public life. Trinamool All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and tennis ace Leander Paes will add further star power to the proceedings, ensuring that the occasion resonates far beyond the football pitch.
For Messi, this visit is another chapter in a storied career that has seen him lift four World Cups and countless other trophies. The event in Kolkata serves as both a personal milestone and a broader celebration of football’s power to transcend borders. As reported, the festivities are part of Messi’s GOAT India Tour, which will take him to multiple cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. After the Kolkata leg, Messi is scheduled to depart for Hyderabad at 2 p.m. on December 13, continuing his whirlwind journey across the subcontinent.
Fans in Kolkata and beyond are counting down the hours, eager to witness history in the making. The city’s unique blend of sporting passion and cultural vibrancy ensures that Messi’s visit will be remembered for generations. Whether it’s the towering statue, the star-studded guest list, or the electric atmosphere at Salt Lake Stadium, there’s no doubt that December 13 will go down as one of the most memorable days in Indian football history.
As the final touches are put in place and excitement reaches fever pitch, Kolkata stands ready to show the world just how much football—and Lionel Messi—mean to this remarkable city. The stage is set, the stars are aligned, and the world’s eyes are on Kolkata as it prepares for a celebration worthy of the beautiful game’s greatest icon.
