Messi India Tour: Lionel Messi and his team are happy with the 70-foot statue built in his honor in Kolkata, according to West Bengal minister Sujit Bose. Messi is in the city to begin his GOAT Tour India 2025 and will virtually unveil the statue today.
The iron statue has been installed at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata, and shows Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. It celebrates his World Cup win and has attracted a lot of attention from football fans.
Sujit Bose said the club took Messi’s permission before building the statue and stayed in regular contact with his management. He added that Messi reacted positively after seeing it, and further interaction with him is expected.
The statue was completed in just 40 days and is said to be the tallest Messi statue in the world. Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning, where large crowds gathered to welcome him.
This is his first visit to India since 2011, when he last played a match at Salt Lake Stadium.
Messi India Tour 2025: Kolkata Sees Massive Fan Craze as Honeymoon Plans Get Postponed
Messi fever took over Kolkata as fans gathered in huge numbers to welcome Lionel Messi during the Messi India Tour 2025. A newly married couple even delayed their honeymoon just to see the football star arrive in the city.
“We got married recently, but we postponed our honeymoon because seeing Messi was more important,” one fan told ANI. They said they have followed Messi for more than a decade and were very excited to finally see him.
Despite the cold December weather, thousands of supporters waited outside Salt Lake Stadium from early morning. Messi landed in Kolkata around 2:26 am, with fans waving Argentina flags, beating drums, and chanting his name.
Another fan expressed deep admiration, saying they have loved Messi since 2007 and that it feels like pure love for them. The fan also said they believe Argentina will win the World Cup again in 2026.
Messi was taken out through a VIP exit under heavy security. His arrival marked the start of strong celebrations in Kolkata, with similar excitement expected in the other cities on his India tour.
FAQs
Q. Why is Lionel Messi coming to India?
A. Messi is coming for the three-day GOAT Tour of India 2025 after winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami.
Q. Which cities will Lionel Messi visit during the GOAT Tour?
A. Lionel Messi will visit Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Q. Will Shah Rukh Khan meet Messi?
A. Yes, Shah Rukh Khan has confirmed he will be at Salt Lake Stadium during Messi’s visit on December 13.