Football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning to an ecstatic reception, commencing the inaugural leg of his GOAT Tour India 2025. The Argentine legend’s visit centers around the virtual unveiling of a colossal 70-foot iron statue erected in his honor at Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town.
The monumental sculpture, crafted in a record 40 days, depicts Messi hoisting the FIFA World Cup trophy—a symbolic representation of his historic 2022 triumph with Argentina in Qatar. West Bengal Minister and Club President Sujit Bose confirmed this statue stands as the world’s tallest tribute to the football maestro.
Messi’s arrival triggered massive fan gatherings across key Kolkata locations, demonstrating his profound popularity in India’s football-crazy eastern region. This visit marks his first return to Indian soil since 2011, when he participated in a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0.
Tour promoter Satadru Dutta emphasized the significance of this visit: ‘Messi’s return after 14 years has generated unprecedented excitement and renewed enthusiasm for football across India. The sponsorship response reflects growing commercial interest in Indian football.’
The virtual unveiling ceremony represents both a technological innovation in fan engagement and a testament to Messi’s enduring global legacy, particularly in West Bengal where football culture runs deep.