Lionel Messi India Tour: Kolkata Unveils 70-Foot Statue Ahead Of Superstar’s Grand Arrival

A 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata has been unveiled ahead of its official inauguration on December 13. The Argentina World Cup-winning captain is scheduled to arrive in India tomorrow at midnight and will participate in multiple engagements before departing for Hyderabad the same day. A viral video has already offered fans a first glimpse of the statue, showing Messi holding the World Cup with a beaming smile.

Messi's Kolkata Schedule

Messi's three-day India tour begins on Saturday, December 13, in Kolkata. After arriving post-midnight, he will take part in several sponsor-led activities in the morning. At 11:15 am, he will visit Salt Lake Stadium to felicitate Bengal's Santosh Trophy team and meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with sports icons Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paes. Actor Shah Rukh Khan, several other celebrities, and government ministers are also expected to attend.

Additionally, a friendly football match between Mohun Bagan and Diamond Harbour FC has been organised, accompanied by a musical show featuring Messi and his teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrygo de Paul. Before returning to the airport, Messi will officially unveil his 70-foot statue in Lake Town, located near Kolkata's Big Ben and the Diego Maradona Statue.

Remaining Tour Itinerary

Messi will then board a flight to Hyderabad on the same day. Upon arrival in the evening, he will take a short break before participating in a 7v7 match at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, featuring Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. A music concert and felicitation ceremony will also be organised by the state government in his honour.

On December 14, Messi will travel to Mumbai to take part in the Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India, followed by a 7v7 celebrity football match, which may feature some Bollywood superstars, though details of participants have not yet been disclosed.

The tour concludes in Delhi on December 15, where Messi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A small event is planned at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, during which players from Minerva Academy will also be felicitated.