Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated 2025 tour in India made headlines, especially during his visit to Kolkata. His arrival on local soil was marked by a warm welcome from thousands of fans, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon.
Lionel Messi’s Arrival in Kolkata
Messi landed at Kolkata’s airport at 01:30 local time. Fans thronged the roads and gathered in front of his hotel, hoping for a chance to see the star.
Meet-and-Greet Event
The day’s events began early, with a meet-and-greet scheduled for ticket holders from 09:00 to 10:30. This offered fans a brief opportunity to interact with Messi.
Virtual Unveiling of Messi Statue
A significant highlight of the tour was the unveiling of a 70-foot statue depicting Messi lifting the World Cup. Although expected, it presented a unique twist since Messi participated virtually.
- The unveiling featured Messi on a video screen.
- He activated the reveal by pressing a button, dropping a blue sheet to unveil the statue.
Meeting with Bollywood Celebrities
Before heading to Salt Lake Stadium, Messi had a brief encounter with Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, further elevating the event’s star-studded aura.
Controversy at Salt Lake Stadium
Messi was expected to have an hour-long presence at the stadium but departed after only 20 minutes. This prompted unrest among the ticket holders.
- Many fans voiced their disappointment as they felt neglected.
- “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi,” lamented one upset fan.
Fan Reactions
Ticket prices ranged as high as 12,000 rupees, sparking frustration among those who felt cheated out of the experience. An angry fan remarked that they paid a month’s salary for a glimpse of Messi, not for the presence of politicians.
Several fans expressed their dissatisfaction, lamenting that security personnel were taking selfies instead of helping fans see Messi. The situation escalated, and some supporters blamed the management for the disorganization.
Cancellation of the Friendly Match
A friendly match, initially planned to feature Messi alongside local players, was ultimately canceled. Messi was soon whisked away to Hyderabad, concluding a day filled with mixed emotions for his fans.
