Lionel Messi’s much-awaited India visit got its first viral highlight in Kolkata. The moment did not come from the football field. It came from a warm handshake, a wide smile, and a photo with Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam. The brief interaction turned into a viral sensation within minutes and set the tone for Messi’s GOAT Tour of India 2025.
Videos showing Messi greeting Shah Rukh Khan and posing with Abram spread rapidly across social media. The crossover between global football and Indian cinema instantly grabbed public attention. Fans across the country shared the clips, turning a routine meet into a pop-culture event.
Messi’s Kolkata Arrival Sparks Fan Frenzy
Kolkata was always expected to go big. The city has a deep football culture and a long-standing love for Lionel Messi. As soon as Messi landed, fans gathered outside the airport in large numbers. Several videos showed crowds cheering, waving flags, and chanting his name.
The excitement did not stop there. The city administration rolled out traffic advisories and crowd-control plans near key venues. Authorities anticipated massive gatherings as fans rushed to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend.
GOAT Tour of India 2025 Begins in Style
Kolkata marks the first stop of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour of India 2025. The tour features a tight schedule of appearances, fan interactions, and football-related events across multiple cities.
One of the biggest highlights on Day 1 was the virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi. The event focused on scale and spectacle. It aimed to celebrate Messi’s legacy and his influence on Indian football fans.
The statue reveal drew attention across digital platforms and added a visual landmark to the tour’s opening chapter.
Messi Not Alone: Star Footballers Join the Tour
Lionel Messi’s visit has also brought familiar football names to the spotlight. Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul are travelling alongside him as part of the tour group.
Their presence has added excitement for fans who follow global football closely. Supporters welcomed the chance to see multiple international stars during the same tour, a rare experience in India.
Salt Lake Stadium Match Draws Massive Interest
Messi’s Kolkata schedule includes witnessing a special exhibition match at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. The game will feature Diamond Harbour Messi All-Star vs Mohun Bagan Messi All-Star.
The match has already generated buzz among football fans. Ticket demand and online discussions continue to rise as the event approaches.
When Football Meets Bollywood
The viral Shah Rukh Khan moment captured the spirit of Messi’s India visit. For SRK and AbRam, it was a brief meeting. For fans, it became the image of the tour’s opening day.
Messi’s presence has turned into a shared national moment. The world’s biggest football star arrived in India and instantly dominated screens, timelines, and conversations. Kolkata delivered the perfect opening act.
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