Lionel Messi will kick off his pan-India tour on Saturday. The Argentina legend arrived in Kolkata early morning in what is a packed schedule. Thousands of fans have gathered at the Subhash Chandra Bose Airport overnight to welcome the Barcelona legend as he sets foot in the country after 14 years.
Messi landed in Kolkata at 1:30 AM IST along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. The Barcelona legend had heavy security as he made his way through the airport and into his ride to the hotel. Police were at the scene with a massive convoy tailing the Argentina legend.
With details of Messi's schedule out, fans had gathered at the airport well before midnight to catch a glimpse of the former Barcelona ace. Many travelled from all over the country just to catch a few fleeting glimpses of him at the airport. The streets were lined up with people as Messi's convoy passed through Kolkata, with fireworks set off at 4 in the morning to celebrate his arrival.
The tour kicks off in iconic Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 with a fan-friendly meet-and-greet session early in the morning followed by a host of activities including Messi’s public engagements, interactions with fans and dignitaries, and friendly football action. The 38-year-old will attend a meet-and-greet session and virtually unveil a 70-foot statue of his, made by artist Monti Pal and titled ‘Monumento de Messi’. It is being installed at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Cricket Association of Bengal president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly are also set to attend the event at the Salt Lake Stadium. Bollywood icon and KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan will also join the festivities.
