- By Himanshu Badola
- Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Lionel Messi in India: Lionel Messi met Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as his GOAT India tour kicked off in Kolkata on Saturday. The legendary duo's meet went viral as Messi shared a handshake with a smile and a warm photo-op with AbRam and SRK. The incredible moment took place as Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself at Lake Town in Kolkata during an event hosted by minister Sujit Bose at the Hyatt Regency.
Messi acknowledged the honour and respect, thanking everyone with a "Muchas Gracias" before continuing his remarks in Spanish. The legendary footballer signed an autograph for SRK's son Abram. The two were seen exchanging a few words, while Shah Rukh Khan also met and greeted Luis Suarez and Rodrygo de Paul, who attended the event.
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RPSG owner, who also owns Mohun Bagan Super Giants and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, also met Messi during the event. Notably, Goenka is also one of the key sponsors of the event.
Leo Messi’s unveiling the 70 feet statue of him in Kolkata.
— We Are Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) December 13, 2025
He talks about how he’s “happy to be here” pic.twitter.com/1690fKRx1X
#LionelMessi… the milestones, the magic, the mastery. And then you meet him and realise the humility is the real headline. An absolute privilege. pic.twitter.com/NVD0OyYciT
— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) December 13, 2025
VIDEO | Kolkata: Football icon Lionel Messi to virtually unveil his 70-foot statue from Salt Lake stadium, with West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan present at the event.#LionelMessi #Kolkata #Football
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2025
(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/dqISIwMgl4
Messi is in the stadium packed with 80,000 people😳pic.twitter.com/vs7Ad4acHR
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) December 13, 2025
The schedule in Kolkata is action-packed as Messi is set to be a part of multiple public appearances and curated events over a short, high-intensity window. Messi's Kolkata stop also got a blockbuster welcome as the eight-time Ballon d'Or touched down late at night, with clips going viral of the fans going crazy at his arrival at the airport.
Earlier, West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose said that football icon Lionel Messi and his team are happy with the 70-foot statue. "We have talked to his manager, and today we will talk to Messi... He gave his consent for the statue, and they are also happy...," Bose told ANI.
On the other hand, the promoter and organiser of Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour, Satadru Dutta, said that Messi's visit has created an atmosphere of joy across the country. "There's a great atmosphere of joy that Messi is coming to India after 14 years... It's also good for the fans, an opportunity to see Messi. Football's connection to India is growing again. Never before have so many sponsors come to Indian football," Satadru Dutta said.