Kolkata, December 13:

Kolkata witnessed an unforgettable night as global football icon Lionel Messi arrived in the city in the early hours of Saturday, setting off scenes of joy, excitement and sheer disbelief among thousands of fans. Braving the December chill and waiting well past midnight, supporters gathered in huge numbers to welcome the Argentine superstar as part of his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025.

Messi touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 2.26 am, and within moments, the calm of the night turned into a football festival. International arrivals Gate 4 became the centre of attention as fans waved Argentine flags, chanted Messi’s name and recorded every second on their phones, hoping for even a brief glimpse of the football legend. Many ran between airport gates, refusing to miss a single moment of his arrival.

The visit marks Messi’s first stop on his tightly packed India tour, which will take him to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi over the next 72 hours. The tour has drawn massive attention not just from football lovers, but also from political leaders, celebrities and corporate figures eager to meet the World Cup-winning captain.

Despite heavy security arrangements, the atmosphere remained electric. Children sat on their parents’ shoulders, drums echoed through the terminal area and chants of “Messi, Messi” filled the air. Kolkata police deployed additional forces, barricades and traffic controls to manage the unexpected surge of fans who had gathered hours in advance.

Messi was quickly escorted through the VIP gate under tight security. A large convoy then accompanied him to his hotel, where another crowd had been waiting late into the night. Even after his departure from the airport, fans continued cheering, turning the streets into a celebration zone and underlining the city’s deep-rooted love for football.

The Argentine star arrived along with his long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul, adding to the excitement among supporters. The presence of the three footballers together made the night even more special for fans who have followed their journeys for years.

During his stay in India, Messi is scheduled to attend multiple high-profile engagements. He will meet state chief ministers, senior corporate leaders and prominent Bollywood personalities. The tour will conclude in Delhi, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, making it one of the most talked-about sports visits in recent times.

Kolkata, often described as India’s football capital, seemed determined to give Messi a welcome worthy of his status. From airport terminals to hotel entrances, the city came alive, proving once again why football holds a special place in its heart. For many fans, the night was emotional, with some describing it as a dream come true to witness the arrival of the man they consider the greatest footballer of all time.

Messi’s visit has not only created excitement but has also highlighted football’s growing popularity in India. As he continues his journey across the country, fans in other cities are expected to turn out in similar numbers, eager to be part of history.

For Kolkata, however, the early hours of December 13 will be remembered as a night when football magic truly filled the air — and sleep took a backseat to Messi mania.

 Lionel Messi’s Midnight Arrival Sparks Massive Fan Frenzy in Kolkata During GOAT India Tour 2025

Kolkata turned into a living, breathing football stadium in the early hours of December 13 as Lionel Messi arrived in the city for the first stop of his GOAT India Tour 2025. Touching down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 2.26 am, the Argentine legend was welcomed by thousands of fans who waited past midnight, braving the winter chill just to catch a glimpse of their hero.

From waving Argentina flags to chanting his name at the top of their voices, the scenes outside the international arrivals gate were nothing short of magical. Fans ran between gates, phones held high, hoping for that one perfect moment. Children sat on shoulders, drums echoed through the night, and the city’s love for football was on full display.

Despite tight security, barricades and police deployment, the energy never dipped. Messi was escorted through the VIP gate and taken in a heavily guarded convoy to his hotel, where another crowd waited late into the night. The excitement followed him every step of the way, turning Kolkata’s streets into a celebration zone.

Messi arrived along with his long-time teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, making the moment even more special for fans. Over the next 72 hours, the football icon will travel to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, meeting chief ministers, corporate leaders and Bollywood celebrities. The tour will conclude in Delhi with a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

Kolkata, often called India’s football capital, gave Messi a welcome worthy of a global icon. For fans, this wasn’t just an arrival — it was a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Football truly ruled the night, and sleep had no chance against pure Messi mania.