Kolkata — Thousands of fans defied the biting December cold and stayed awake past midnight to welcome Argentine football legend Lionel Messi as he arrived in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday for his high-profile GOAT India Tour 2025.
Messi’s private Gulfstream V landed at the city airport at 2.26 am, triggering scenes of unrestrained celebration. Gate 4 of the international arrivals terminal turned into a sea of Argentina flags, chants and flashing phone cameras as fans ran between entry points hoping for even a fleeting glimpse of the global icon. Drums rolled, children sat on shoulders and the air echoed with cries of “Messi, Messi” as security forces formed a tight cordon around the arrival area.
Under heavy protection, Messi was escorted out through the VIP exit and driven in a long convoy to his hotel, where another massive crowd had gathered despite the late hour. Barricades, police deployment and non-stop chanting transformed the city into a carnival, with Kolkata firmly in the grip of what many described as full-blown “Messi mania”.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived alongside long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Over the next three days, the trio will travel to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi as part of a packed itinerary that includes meetings with Chief Ministers, corporate leaders, Bollywood celebrities and a scheduled interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
Despite hours of waiting, many fans were left disappointed as Messi was swiftly taken out of the airport around 3.30 am through a back entrance, denying hundreds a direct view. Only a handful of airport staff caught a brief glimpse of the footballer, dressed in a black suit over a white T-shirt, as he stepped off the aircraft before being driven straight to the hotel.
Scenes outside the Hyatt Regency were equally chaotic. The lobby buzzed with excitement as fans sprinted through corridors shouting Messi’s name well into the early morning. Sky-blue jerseys, scarves and Argentine flags filled the space, with families, children and exhausted supporters occupying every corner. Messi checked into Room 730, with the entire seventh floor sealed off under strict security. Some fans even booked rooms at the hotel hoping to stay as close as possible to their idol.
Among them was a family from New Alipore, who checked in a day early so their son would not miss the moment. “I’m a Ronaldo fan, but his biggest rival is in my city. I just want one look, maybe an autograph or a selfie,” said Class 9 student Krish Gupta, clutching his autograph book as he waited.
Tour promoter Satadru Dutta, who received Messi at the airport, described the moment as historic for Kolkata. He recalled Messi’s 2011 visit as Argentina captain but said this return carried far greater significance. “Now he comes as a World Cup winner and an eight-time Ballon d’Or champion. This is once in a lifetime,” he said, adding that the tour could give Indian football a major boost through sponsorship and global attention.
Security was tightened across Kolkata ahead of Messi’s arrival, with police deployment at key intersections, sniffer dogs checking vehicles and heightened surveillance around the hotel. Street vendors capitalised on the frenzy, selling Messi jerseys, scarves and flags, while fans in full Argentine colours celebrated what many called a dream come true.
Messi begins the Kolkata leg of his tour on Saturday with a sponsors’ meet-and-greet before heading to Salt Lake Stadium for a grand tribute programme. The event will include cultural performances, an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars, and a special “Master Class with Messi” for young footballers. He will also felicitate Bengal’s Santosh Trophy-winning team and take a lap of honour before virtually unveiling a 70-foot statue in Lake Town.
The tour continues later in the day with a stop in Hyderabad, followed by events in Mumbai and Delhi, where it will conclude with Messi’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a celebrity football match.
Kolkata’s deep-rooted romance with football legends stretches back decades, from Pelé’s historic visit in 1977 to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable appearances in 2008 and 2017. Yet, for many in the city, the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2025 stands apart, marking another unforgettable chapter in Kolkata’s enduring love affair with the beautiful game.
