Lionel Messi reaches Kolkata: The much-anticipated GOAT Tour India 2025 kicked off on Saturday with Lionel Messi’s arrival at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, who have joined the Argentine legend to delight Indian fans. Amidst the frenzy surrounding Messi in the city, it’s also important to acknowledge the contributions of his two teammates to the sport. Besides being MLS stars for Miami, Suárez and De Paul are globally renowned names in football.
Lionel Messi reaches Kolkata: Messi will be in India from December 13 to 15
Lionel Messi will be in India from December 13 to 15, a busy trip that will take him to four different locations. He arrives here after leading Inter Miami to their first Major League Soccer championship earlier this week – his 48th trophy in a remarkable career – adding yet another achievement to his illustrious career.
The first stop on Messi’s packed schedule is Kolkata. He is expected to arrive at the Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30 AM before departing for Hyderabad later in the day.
GOAT Tour India: You will meet these legends (Lionel Messi reaches Kolkata)
During his stay in the city, Messi will also digitally inaugurate a 70-foot-tall statue honouring his contributions to the sport, erected near Clock Tower in Sreebhumi, Lake Town. He won’t just be playing football in Kolkata. Meetings are scheduled with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, as well as a meeting with Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently in the city with his sons. Messi views this trip as a return to familiar territory. His last match in Kolkata was in 2011, when he helped Argentina defeat Venezuela 1-0 in a FIFA International Friendly match.
