Argentine football icon and 2022 FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning at around 2:30 AM, marking the start of his highly anticipated ‘GOAT Tour of India’. The visit has sparked massive excitement among football fans across the country, particularly in football-loving West Bengal.

Kolkata is the first stop of Messi’s three-day tour, during which he is scheduled to participate in multiple events before flying to Hyderabad later the same day. The tour is being seen as a historic moment for Indian football, celebrating Messi’s extraordinary career and global influence on the sport.

One of the major highlights of the Kolkata leg is the unveiling of a massive 70-foot statue of Messi at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK). The tribute is being hailed as one of the largest ever dedicated to a footballer in India, symbolising Messi’s unmatched popularity and legacy.

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The event is expected to draw several high-profile dignitaries and celebrities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan are slated to attend, adding glamour and national attention to the celebrations.

During his stay, Messi is also expected to interact with fans, young footballers, and sports officials as part of promotional and cultural engagements. The Kolkata visit sets the tone for the remainder of the GOAT Tour, which aims to strengthen India’s connection with global football icons.

Messi’s arrival has turned Kolkata into a football carnival, with fans thronging streets and social media buzzing with excitement. As the tour progresses to other cities, the visit is expected to leave a lasting impact on Indian football enthusiasm and youth inspiration.

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