Kolkata witnessed another surge in excitement on December 13 when Shah Rukh Khan arrived in the city along with his sons, Aryan Khan and AbRam, just hours before Lionel Messi was scheduled to perform at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Bollywood superstar’s presence has been confirmed at the prestigious event, where he is set to share the stage with Argentina’s World Cup winner, turning the day into a rare mix of football, film and celebrity culture.
The meeting brings together two world icons who have a huge following, especially in Kolkata. Shah Rukh Khan’s connection with the city runs deep, not only through his film but also through sports, as he co-owns the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. His arrival added to the excitement surrounding Messi’s visit, turning the occasion into a national crossover between football, cricket and Bollywood.
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for messi a visit means a return to the city which has a special place on his international journey. The Argentine last played in Kolkata in 2010 when he captained the national team to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a FIFA international friendly. That appearance remains one of the most memorable football moments for fans in the region, and his comeback after more than a decade reignited that nostalgia.
Messi is expected to arrive at the Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30am before leaving for Hyderabad later in the day, as part of a tightly scheduled tour. While in Kolkata, he is also set to virtually unveil a 70-feet statue installed near the clock tower in Sribhumi, Lake Town, as a tribute celebrating his illustrious career and global influence.
The Argentine icon’s Kolkata itinerary also includes meetings with former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reflecting the ceremonial scope of the visit. His involvement goes beyond sports and highlights how his presence goes beyond football itself.
Shah Rukh Khan had earlier confirmed the meeting via a post on X and playfully hinted that he would be stepping away from his usual ‘chivalrous’ duties in Kolkata for a day dedicated to Messi.
Messi has already arrived in India and will remain in the country until December 15, traveling through Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi on a carefully curated three-day tour that continues to attract huge attention.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 13, 2025
