Football Legend Lionel Messi virtually unveiled a monumental 70-foot statue of himself at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2025, during the Kolkata leg of his GOAT India Tour, joined by Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose. The event drew massive crowds, with Khan arriving alongside his youngest son, AbRam, who posed for photographs with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in a heartwarming crossover moment.
Videos circulating online captured Shah Rukh Khan greeting Messi warmly, sharing handshakes and smiles amid loud cheers from fans. AbRam, dressed casually, appeared excited as he met the Argentine icon, highlighting the intergenerational appeal of the Inter Miami forward. SRK, sporting a grey hoodie and backpack, had teased the meeting days earlier on social media, playfully hoping for a "completely ‘Messi'" day in Kolkata.
The unveiling marked a highlight of Messi's multi-city tour—his first India visit since a 2011 friendly against Venezuela at the same venue—spanning Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi over three days. Thousands welcomed Messi upon his early morning arrival at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, underscoring his enduring popularity in the football-crazy nation.
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Khan's presence amplified the spectacle, blending Bollywood glamour with sporting stardom. Fans speculated on viral potential, including whether the actor might teach Messi his signature open-arms pose during interactions.
The statue, erected in Lake Town, symbolises Messi's global legacy and Kolkata's passion for the beautiful game, evoking memories of past icons honoured similarly in the City of Joy. This rare convergence of entertainment and sports icons has generated immense buzz, captivating audiences nationwide and reinforcing Messi's status as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) in Indian hearts.
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