Post by : Meena Ariff

In a heartwarming display of devotion, thousands of fans braved the chilly December night, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata for the initial stop of his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025.

Messi landed at 2:26 AM on Saturday, triggering exuberant celebrations throughout the city. The airport's international terminal transformed into a vibrant sea of flags, fervent chants, and flashing cameras as fans surged forward, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol. Children were lifted onto shoulders, drums echoed through the night, and chants of “Messi! Messi!” filled the air.

With tight security, Messi was ushered through the VIP exit and driven in a fortified convoy to his hotel, where another enthusiastic crowd had gathered despite the hour. Barricades, police presence, and increased surveillance could not dampen the enthusiasm, as Kolkata erupted into Messi mania.

The star forward arrived with his longtime teammate Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Over the next three days, Messi will traverse Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, engaging with chief ministers, business leaders, film stars, and ultimately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

Many fans, however, returned home disappointed. Due to stringent security measures, Messi was swiftly taken through a back route at around 3:30 AM, leaving hundreds without a clear view. Only a handful of airport personnel got a fleeting glimpse of him donning a black suit over a white T-shirt as he exited his private jet.

The excitement quickly transferred to the Hyatt Regency, where the lobby buzzed with energy reminiscent of an Argentine fan zone. An array of blue-and-white jerseys, scarves, and flags adorned the space as cheers resonated through the hallways well into the early morning. Tired fans collapsed onto sofas, while children raced around with uncontainable excitement, and parents scurried to keep up.

Messi checked into Room 730, with the hotel’s seventh floor completely secured. Some dedicated fans even booked rooms hoping to increase their chances of an encounter. One family from New Alipore had checked in a day early so their son wouldn’t miss the moment, despite his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I might be a Ronaldo fan, but Messi is definitely his biggest rival. When someone of his stature visits our city, you can’t stay away,” shared the Class 9 student, clutching his autograph book and yearning for a selfie.

Tour organizer Satadru Dutta, who greeted Messi at the airport, hailed the visit as a historic occasion for Kolkata. He reminisced about Messi’s prior visit in 2011 as captain of Argentina, asserting that his return after clinching the World Cup and eighth Ballon d’Or amplifies the significance of this event.

Dutta noted that the extensive sponsorship and attention surrounding Messi could substantially enhance Indian football. He emphasized that even a small portion of the investments generated by this tour could aid grassroots development, while the planned unveiling of a 70-foot Messi statue would create a lasting legacy.

Security measures tightened across Kolkata, with police monitoring key locations, sniffer dogs checking vehicles, and augmented surveillance around the hotel. Staff prepared themed decorations and intricate arrangements, while vendors outside sold Messi jerseys, scarves, and Argentine flags, with some fans dressing in full Argentine attire, wigs included.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” exclaimed a supporter outside the hotel. “We won’t sleep tonight. This is a day to celebrate football.”

Messi kicks off the tour in Kolkata with a sponsor meet-and-greet, then heads to Salt Lake Stadium for a grand tribute event. This will feature cultural performances, an exhibition match, engagements with young footballers, a felicitation ceremony, and a unique “Master Class with Messi” designed for kids.

Following this, he will take a lap of honor and virtually unveil his 70-foot statue before moving on to Hyderabad for an evening event that includes a brief exhibition match and football clinic. The tour will also visit Mumbai, highlighting a blend of football, philanthropy, and celebrity interactions, concluding in Delhi with a meeting with the Prime Minister and a star-studded nine-a-side match.

Kolkata's passion for football legends spans generations, from Pelé’s legendary match in 1977 against Mohun Bagan to visits from Maradona, Forlán, and Oliver Kahn, among others. Messi last played in the city in 2011, leading Argentina to victory in front of a rapturous stadium.

In light of Kolkata's rich football legacy, the arrival of Lionel Messi has incited an unprecedented surge of enthusiasm, reinforcing the city’s timeless love for the beautiful game and its greatest icons.

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