Kolkata witnessed an unforgettable moment as global football icon Lionel Messi stepped onto the city’s soil, sending a wave of excitement across every street, para, and football-loving adda. Known for its unmatched passion for the sport, Kolkata has welcomed several international stars in the past, but Messi’s arrival created a frenzy unlike anything the city has seen in recent years. From the airport gates to the iconic Maidan, football fans celebrated like it was a festival.
Even before Messi’s flight landed, thousands gathered outside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, holding posters, jerseys, and Argentina flags. The chants of “Messi! Messi!” echoed long before he appeared. The atmosphere felt electric, as if the entire city had paused its routine to welcome the world champion. Traffic snarls seemed irrelevant, school students bunked classes, and office-goers slipped out early just to get a glimpse of their idol.
As Messi exited the airport, escorted by heavy security, camera flashes burst like fireworks. He waved at the cheering crowd, a simple gesture that sent fans into an emotional meltdown. Many supporters, draped in blue-and-white jerseys, said this was a “dream come true moment”—something they had waited for their entire lives. Kolkata, a city where football lives in the bloodstream, embraced Messi like one of its own.
Messi’s visit is expected to include meet-and-greet sessions, promotional events, and possibly a friendly exhibition appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium—Asia’s second-largest football arena. The stadium authorities and local organizers are working round the clock, ensuring world-class arrangements worthy of the greatest footballer of this generation. Ticket inquiries have skyrocketed, with fans ready to queue overnight just for a seat inside the venue.
Local businesses are also celebrating Messi’s presence. From cafés offering “Messi Special” meals to stalls selling Argentina scarves and posters, the entire city has turned into a festival ground. Social media is flooded with photos, memes, and videos capturing every second of his arrival. Even people who are not hardcore football fans are caught up in the excitement.
For Kolkata, Messi’s arrival is more than a celebrity visit. It is a reminder of the city’s unbreakable bond with football—a sport that has shaped its identity for over a century. Whether you support Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, or Mohammedan, one thing is certain: Today, the entire city is united under one name—Lionel Messi.