The city of Kolkata is filled with excitement as football fans eagerly await the arrival of the Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi, on December 13.
Lionel Messi's second visit to Kolkata since 2012
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is set to make his way to Kolkata, accompanied by Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez and Argentine star Rodrigo de Paul, for a whirlwind visit that promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans.
Lionel Messi's biggest statue in the world
As part of his visit, Messi will inaugurate the world's largest statue of himself, a towering 70-foot behemoth located adjacent to the clock tower in Sribhumi. The statue, crafted using special fiber technology, was built by artist Monty Pal and his team of 30 artists in just a few days. The statue's inauguration is expected to be a major event, with State Minister Sujit Basu hoping to secure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Messi's visit is packed with a series of events, including a sponsor's event, a football match between Mohun Bagan 'Messi' All Star and Diamond Harbour 'Messi' All Star, and a royal reception at Yuva Bharati. The Argentine superstar is also expected to meet players from both teams, as well as dignitaries including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Sourav Ganguly, and Leander Paez.
As a mark of respect, Messi is likely to don traditional Indian attire, including a dhoti and Punjabi, during his visit. His wife, Antonella, will be gifted a sari, while Messi himself will be treated to local delicacies such as hilsa, shrimp, nalen jaggery rasogolla, and sweet curd.
The city is gearing up to give Messi a hero's welcome, with fans from across the city flocking to Yuva Bharati to catch a glimpse of the football legend. The event promises to be a memorable one, with Messi set to leave an indelible mark on the city and its people.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
- December 13, 1 am: Messi's plane lands in Kolkata
- 9:30-10:30 am: Sponsor's event
- 10:30-11:15 am: Virtual inauguration of Messi's statue
- 11:15-11:25 am: Arrival at Yuva Bharati
- 11:30 am: Shahrukh Khan arrives at Yuva Bharati
- 12 noon: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrives at Yuva Bharati
- 12 noon: Messi leaves for Hyderabad