Lionel Messi India Tour 2025: Hero's Welcome in Kolkata Turns Chaotic as Fans Swarm Salt Lake Stadium

Kolkata erupted in football fever on December 13, 2025, as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi touched down in India after a 14-year hiatus.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, fresh off leading Inter Miami to MLS glory, launched his much-hyped "GOAT India Tour" with a whirlwind day in the City of Joy.

From rubbing shoulders with Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan to unveiling a towering 72-foot statue of himself, Messi's arrival sparked unbridled excitement—but not without a dash of drama at Salt Lake Stadium.

Messi landed at Kolkata's airport around 3:30 AM IST, greeted by a sea of chanting fans waving Argentine flags. By morning, "Messi, Messi" echoes filled the streets, from metro stations to hotel lobbies.

A massive crowd had already swarmed his hotel by 9 AM, turning the air electric with anticipation. Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, jetted in specially to meet the football GOAT at 10:28 AM, posing for photos with Messi's young fan AbRam in tow. "Two legends in one frame—pure magic," tweeted thrilled onlookers.

The day's highlights kicked off at 10:37 AM when Messi linked up with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka.

Minutes later, he virtually inaugurated his 72-foot bronze statue—one of the world's tallest tributes to the 38-year-old icon—drawing gasps from the virtual crowd. "It's an honor to see my journey celebrated here," Messi said humbly, per organizers.

But the real pulse-pounder was Salt Lake Stadium. By 8:38 AM, die-hard supporters lined up outside the gates, braving the December chill.

A cultural program warmed up the 85,000-capacity venue as Messi rolled in at 10:14 AM in a sleek white Audi, flanked by Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul and ex-Barcelona strike partner Luis Suarez.

The roar was deafening—fans wept, screamed, and surged forward as the trio stepped onto the pitch at 10:34 AM.

Messi graciously signed autographs, greeted Mohun Bagan and Diamond Harbour legends, and did a victory lap amid "pure madness," as one reporter described the "exploding" joy.

A friendly match between Mohun Bagan Messi All Stars and Diamond Harbour Messi All Stars followed at 10:56 AM, featuring Indian greats like Shilton Paul.

Exclusive footage from Bhaskar English captured Messi mobbed by adoring crowds at 11:28 AM, humbly waving before departing just 22 minutes later.

Yet, the euphoria soured into frustration. Eyewitnesses reported "serious mismanagement" as visibility issues sparked agitation. Fans hurled water bottles, tried breaching gates, and caused minor damage, forcing heavy police deployment.

"We just wanted a glimpse of our hero," lamented one spectator. Organizers cited overwhelming turnout, but the 10-minute stadium stint left many fuming.

This is just Day 1 of Messi's packed itinerary. The tour, spanning four cities in three days, blends football, culture, and star power. Tonight, he heads to Hyderabad for a 7 PM friendly at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium—Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is confirmed to attend, facing off against a team led by Telangana CM A.

Revanth Reddy. On December 14, Mumbai awaits with a clash against Indian legend Sunil Chhetri at Wankhede Stadium, plus a meet-up with cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar. The finale? December 15 in New Delhi, honoring PM Narendra Modi at an afternoon ceremony before jetting home.

Messi's India love affair dates back to his 2011 visit, but this GOAT Tour cements his global pull. From Barcelona's record 672 goals to World Cup triumph in 2022 (where he netted seven and snagged the Golden Ball), Messi's legacy dazzles.

Now with Inter Miami under David Beckham's wing, he's eyeing a 2026 World Cup swansong. As Kolkata cools from the frenzy, India braces for more Messi magic. Stay tuned for live updates—who knows what viral moments await?