• Source:JND

Lionel Messi in India: Lionel Messi has arrived in India for his much-awaited GOAT Tour 2025 as he touched down in Kolkata after midnight on December 13, keeping the city awake. Thousands of fans gathered outside Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, counting down the hours for a memorable moment — the arrival of Lionel Messi.

As soon as the private jet of the legendary footballer touched down at 2:26 AM on Saturday, the airport erupted. There were chants of "Messi! Messi!" all around. Argentina flags fluttered above heads, mobile phone flashlights sparkled like stars as fans went crazy to get even a second-long glimpse of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

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Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrygo de Paul. The Argentina captain was welcomed by Satadru Datta and his team at the airport. Taking note of the massive crowd outside the airport, Messi was escorted from a different route, but fans gathered on the Bypass road, and some even booked the same hotel to show their love for the World Cup winner. The GOAT Tour 2025 will kick off at 9:30 AM in the morning with some sponsored activities. However, since the trio arrived at least two hours late in the night, the programme may be delayed for some time. However, no official notice has been issued for the same.

Messi will virtually unveil his 70-foot statue in Lake Town later in the day. The rest of the events will be taking place at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. A friendly match between Mohun Bagan and Diamond Harbours will be taking place, after which, Messi will felicitate Bengal’s Santosh Trophy-winning squad. Messi, Suarez and Rodrygo will then host a masterclass with several children in the stadium.

The event will also be graced by celebrities like Sourav Ganguly, Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham and Laender Paes, among many others. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with other ministers, will also be present to felicitate Messi and his two teammates. After wrapping the event, the star footballer will fly to Hyderabad in the afternoon.

 


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