Kolkata witnessed a wave of football frenzy as Argentine legend and World Cup winner Lionel Messi arrived in India in the early hours of Saturday. Messi landed at Kolkata airport around 2:30 am as part of his three-day “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) tour, drawing hundreds of fans who gathered at midnight to welcome their idol.
Despite the odd hour, the airport was packed with enthusiastic supporters, chanting Messi’s name and holding banners. However, one placard in the crowd stood out and quickly went viral on social media. A newly married woman held a sign that read, “I got married last Friday. But we cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi.”
Speaking to ANI, the woman shared her emotional connection with the football icon. “I have been a huge fan of Messi since 2010. When I came to know he was visiting our city, I spoke to my husband and decided to postpone our honeymoon. I missed seeing him when he came in 2011 as we were very young then. We couldn’t miss this chance now,” she said.
Other fans echoed the same passion and devotion. “We have been waiting for two hours, and if needed, we will wait four more. He is a magician. Just one look at him is enough,” said a group of supporters waiting outside the airport.
Messi last played in India in 2011, when he featured in a friendly match at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. His return after several years has reignited excitement among Indian football fans.
As part of the “GOAT” tour, Lionel Messi is scheduled to visit four major cities—Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi—making this visit a memorable celebration of football for fans across the country.