Thousands braved the chill and waited past midnight to give a rousing welcome to Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi as he arrived in Kolkata for his whirlwind three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. The Barcelona legend's 2.26 am touchdown in the early hours of Saturday sent the city into a frenzy. Gate 4 of the international arrivals turned into a roaring sea of chants, flags and flashing phones, with fans sprinting between gates for even a fleeting glimpse of their favourite star.
Kolkata, West Bengal: Fans gathered outside the Hyatt in Salt Lake, where Lionel Messi will stay on his first day in Kolkata, chanting 'Messi, Messi' as they awaited the Argentine footballer’s arrival pic.twitter.com/FgKoiEjXRS
— IANS (@ians_india) December 12, 2025
Children perched on shoulders and drums rolled as Messi was whisked out through the VIP gate under massive security. A heavy convoy then escorted him to his hotel, where another huge crowd was waiting deep into the night.
Newsinc24 Team
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