There was tremendous excitement in Kolkata as football legend and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in India. Messi arrived in Kolkata late Friday night as part of the GOAT India Tour 2025, where thousands of fans braved the cold to welcome him after midnight...

National Desk: Enormous excitement erupted in Kolkata as football legend and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in India. Messi arrived in Kolkata late Friday night as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, where thousands of fans braved the cold and waited for him until after midnight.

Messi's flight landed at Kolkata airport at around 2:26 a.m. on Saturday. As news of his arrival spread, the entire city was plunged into "Messi Mania."

VIDEO | West Bengal: Argentine footballer Lionel Messi arrived at Kolkata Airport accompanied by Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.

(Source: Third Party)#LionelMessi

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/nNVfGvfpnX

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 12, 2025

Fans thronged the airport

A huge crowd of fans gathered at Gate No. 4 of Kolkata Airport's International Arrivals. Chants of Messi, Argentine flags, flashing mobile phones, and the sound of drums were everywhere. Many fans were seen running from one gate to another to catch a glimpse. Children were seen perched on shoulders, and the atmosphere was completely festive.

#WATCH | West Bengal | Star footballer Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata, officially kicking off his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. Visuals from outside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. pic.twitter.com/dzMK00Z5OP

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025

Messi leaves from the VIP gate

Lionel Messi was escorted through the VIP gate amid tight security. Fans couldn't see him up close due to the heavy police presence and security cordon, but the excitement remained unabated. Messi was then escorted by a heavily guarded convoy to his hotel, where a large crowd awaited him until late at night.

#WATCH | West Bengal | Star footballer Lionel Messi arrives at the hotel he is staying at in Kolkata, after he touched down in the capital city a while ago, officially kicking off his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. pic.twitter.com/PNuME8mAa5

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025

The entire city was on alert

In anticipation of Messi's arrival, barricades were erected, police were deployed, and traffic was monitored. Chants of "Messi...Messi..." echoed everywhere.

Messi arrived with these stars

Lionel Messi is accompanied by his long-time teammate Luis Suarez and Argentina's star midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.

Four-city tour, meeting with prominent leaders

Messi's tour will span four cities over three days. Over the next 72 hours, he will visit Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. During this time, he will meet state chief ministers, corporate leaders, Bollywood stars, and on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Historic moment for football fans in India

Lionel Messi's visit is nothing short of a dream for Indian football fans. His welcome in Kolkata demonstrates the immense popularity of football and Messi in India.

PC:Punjab Kesari