Kolkata Goes Messi-Mania: Football Legend Lands in India Amid Massive Fan Frenzy

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon, has landed in Kolkata, igniting unprecedented excitement among fans across India as his high-profile tour kicks off.

Messi's flight touched down at Kolkata's international airport at 2:26 AM, sparking jubilant scenes at the arrivals terminal where Gate 4 overflowed with ecstatic supporters. Dressed in Argentine colors, wigs, and No. 10 jerseys, hundreds of fans had waited sleeplessly through the night, with street vendors hawking scarves outside the Hyatt Regency hotel.

Despite tight security, Messi was whisked directly to his hotel via a back entrance around 3:30 AM, leaving many fans disappointed but undeterred. One supporter declared, “This is a lifetime opportunity. We will not sleep tonight and will head straight to the stadium in the morning. Today is celebration day.”

The Inter Miami star's packed 72-hour itinerary spans Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. In Kolkata today, Messi begins with a sponsors’ meet-and-greet, followed by a tribute at Salt Lake Stadium at 10:50 AM. Highlights include an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars, interactions with Bengal’s Santosh Trophy winners, and a “Master Class with Messi” for children.

High-profile attendees expected at the stadium include former teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and other dignitaries. Messi will take a lap of honor and virtually unveil a 70-foot statue of himself at Lake Town before departing for Hyderabad at 2:05 PM.

In Hyderabad, the evening features a programme at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium with an exhibition match, a football clinic, felicitation by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and more. The tour continues to Mumbai and Delhi, where Messi will engage with chief ministers, business leaders, film celebrities, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

Fan frenzy has peaked, with reports of supporters cancelling honeymoons and travel plans to catch a glimpse of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. This visit underscores Messi's global appeal, blending football, culture, and celebrity in one of India's biggest sporting spectacles.