Kolkata is abuzz as football fans eagerly await the arrival of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on December 13. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is heading to Kolkata accompanied by Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez and Argentine star Rodrigo de Paulo. a tumultuous visit that promises an unforgettable experience for the fans.
As part of his visit, Messi will inaugurate his world’s largest statue, a 70-foot monster located adjacent to the clock tower in Sribhumi. Created using a special fiber technology, the sculpture was built by artist Monty Pal and his team of 30 artists in a matter of days.
The inauguration of the statue is expected to be a major event, with Minister of State Sujit Basu hoping to secure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Messi’s visit is packed with a host of events including a sponsorship event, a football match between Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Star and Diamond Harbor ‘Messi’ All Star and a royal reception at Yuva Bharati. Messi to unveil virtual statue (Courtesy: India Today)
The Argentine superstar is also expected to meet the players of both the teams as well as dignitaries including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paese. As a mark of respect, Messi is likely to wear traditional Bengali attire during his visit. His wife Antonella will be presented with a sari while Messi himself will be treated to local delicacies such as hilsa, prawns, nalen jaggery rasogolla and sweet curd.
The city is gearing up to give Messi a hero’s welcome, with fans from across the city flocking to the Yuva Bharati to catch a glimpse of the football legend. The event promises to be unforgettable, with Messi leaving an indelible mark on the city and its people.
MESSI’S KOLKATA VISIT: PROGRAM SCHEDULE
- December 13, 1:00 a.m.: Messi’s plane lands in Kolkata
- 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Sponsor event
- 10:30-11:15: Virtual inauguration of the Messi statue
- 11:15-11:25: Arrival at Yuva Bharati
- 11.30am: Shahrukh Khan arrives at Yuva Bharati
- 12:00 PM: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Sourav Ganguly arrives at the stadium
- 12 – 12:30: Friendly match, congratulations and interaction
- 14:00: Messi leaves for Hyderabad
– The end
Published on:
December 10, 2025
