Watch: Massive crowd erupts as Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata for GOAT India Tour, full schedule here

Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, Lionel Messi, arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to kick off his GOAT India Tour 2025, creating huge excitement across the city.

Messi reached the City of Joy after travelling from Miami via Dubai. Despite the early morning hours, thousands of fans gathered outside the airport hoping to catch a glimpse of the football legend.

Supporters shouted his name, waved Argentina flags and climbed barricades as police set up tight security around the terminal. The atmosphere was electric, with fans celebrating the arrival of the World Cup winner. The clip of fans during Messi's arrival has gone viral on social media. Here is the video.

“There’s a lot of happiness and excitement because Messi is visiting India after 14 years,” said tour organiser Satadru Dutta. “Football’s bond with India is getting stronger again, and we’ve never seen this level of support and sponsorship for the sport before.”

This is the first time since 2011 that Messi has visited India. The legendary footballer visited Kolkata and played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0.

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Lionel Messi to unveil his statue in Kolkata

The football icon will also unveil a monument dedicated to him in Kolkata. However, the unveiling will take place virtually and not in person, keeping security concerns in mind.

In addition, a special fan zone called “Hola Messi” has been set up in the city. The attraction features a life-sized replica of Messi seated on a throne, drawing fans eager to celebrate the legend’s visit.

Messi's GOAT Tour

Messi’s GOAT India Tour will begin in Kolkata, where he is scheduled to take part in several engagements throughout the day before flying to Hyderabad. After completing his programmes in Hyderabad, the football legend will head to Mumbai and later travel to Delhi.

The GOAT India Tour 2025 has been planned as a nationwide celebration, covering all major regions of the country. The tour starts in the East with Kolkata and the South with Hyderabad on December 13, moves to the West with a stop in Mumbai on December 14, and concludes in the North with Delhi on December 15.