West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the chaos that erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium during football icon Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata on Saturday. While expressing disbelief over the chaos happening in Kolkata, the governor, in his statement, described the day as a dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata. The West Bengal governor also expressed shock at the alleged lack of planning to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings surrounding Messi's visit, reported ANI. The Bengal Governor’s office, while releasing the statement, said, "The Governor is shocked at the pell-mell due to utter lack of management and planning in ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings at the Salt Lake Stadium surrounding Messi's visit. While the organisers of the event are to be blamed squarely for the situation that unfolded, it is also the police that has failed the government, the people and the chief minister, who is also the home minister. Due to their inaction, this day can be said to be a dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata," as per ANI. Furthermore, the West Bengal Governor also issued a series of directives to the State Government, including the arrest of the event organisers, refunds to ticket holders, and the imposition of charges on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public property. He also called for a judicial enquiry into the entire incident and directed the suspension of police officers who failed to take necessary precautions. Rapid Action Force to remain prepared He added that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) should remain prepared, and an insurance scheme should be introduced for spectators, with the premium to be paid by the sponsors and organisers. The Governor’s office also wrote, "The Governor has issued the following directives to the State Government: Arrest the organisers of the event. Refund money to those who purchased the tickets. Levy charges on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public places Judicial enquiry into the entire matter Suspend police officers who did not take precautions. Henceforth a Standard Operating Procedure should be in place to ensure smooth conduct and proceedings for such large congregations. RAF should be ready with an insurance scheme for the spectators for which the premium is to be paid by the sponsors and organisers," as cited by news agency ANI. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a high-level enquiry after chaos erupted during football icon Lionel Messi's appearance at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, expressing regret over the mismanagement and apologising to the Argentine legend, his fans and sports lovers. (With inputs from ANI)
13 December,2025 04:48 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentPolice personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd after they tried to vandalise the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the Argentine Legend Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event on Saturday. The situation got out of control when many fans who had paid a hefty sum to catch a glimpse of the football icon Messi became angry and tried to enter the ground to vandalise the tent and the goal post. To control the situation, police personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd from the ground. Speaking to ANI, angry fans accused the Ministers and politicians of hogging Messi's time and failing to deliver on promises. "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," said one fan. One angry fan claimed that he had bought a ticket for Rs 12 thousand but didn't see Lionel Messi's face during the event. "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi...Why did they call us then... We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face," he said. Mamata Banerjee apologise to fans Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to fans after Messi's Kolkata event turned into chaos. "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," Mamta Banerjee wrote on X. "I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members. The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers," West Bengal CM added.
13 December,2025 04:45 PM IST | Kolkata | ANIIt was billed as the biggest sports show of the year, with one of the greatest footballers on the planet, Lionel Messi, at its centrepiece, but it turned into complete chaos. When Messi touched down in football-crazy Kolkata, the fans awaited the moment they could see the star up close and personal, but this was just for a few minutes. What followed was absolute chaos, as fans were left thirsting for a glimpse of the star. With ministers and politicians hovering around, Messi fans were left high and dry. The planned entry of cine star Shah Rukh Khan also did not materialise, leaving the public angry, reported ANI. Utter chaos at Salt Lake stadium A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi, while expressing disbelief, said, "Seeing the utter chaos, the management, the authorities, it was absolutely rubbish. All the people you see here love football. We all wanted to see Messi, but it was a total scam. We want our money back.” “The management was so bad. It is a black day for Kolkata. Kolkata is known for football, and we love football, and we love Argentina, but this experience is absolutely a scam. The ministers were there with their children, and the other people could not see anything... We are very hurt," as cited by news agency ANI. Another fan of star footballer Lionel Messi felt cheated, accusing the VIPs of hogging Messi's time. He asserted, "The minimum price of the ticket was 5 thousand, and why were the VVIPs around Messi? We couldn't even see him... Why weren't the police taking action? I don't know anything. Everyone was furious... We want the refund," as per ANI. Another fan of Messi who was hoping to see the star footballer turn a few tricks with the ball was left hoping for more. "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We could not see anything. He did not take a single kick or a single penalty. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We could not see anything," he added. Charged by the mismanagement, the fans took matters into their own hands, vandalising parts of the stadium, causing absolute chaos. Further, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar accused the TMC government of indulging in corruption. The BJP leader said, "There has been no other problem anywhere; what happened here shows what is happening in Bengal. The TMC has hijacked the event. TMC ministers are part of organising the event; they sold the tickets at very expensive rates and have indulged in corruption," as cited by news agency ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
13 December,2025 04:44 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentLionel Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour turned into absolute chaos on Saturday as soon as Messi entered the field. Fans who paid hefty amounts for tickets at Salt Lake Stadium's event began throwing bottles and attempting to break the gates between the stands after the Argentine legend left early, reported ANI. Angry football fans resorted to vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor event management. Speaking to the media on Saturday, angry fans further accused the ministers and politicians of hogging Messi's time and not delivering on promises like getting Cine Star Shah Rukh Khan at the event, reported ANI. VIDEO | Kolkata: Angry fans vandalise Salt Lake Stadium, hurl chairs at security personnel alleging poor management as Argentine footballer Lionel Messi leaves the venue during his G.O.A.T. India Tour.#LionelMessi #GOATIndiaTour #Kolkata(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/u4rwPYRreL — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2025 One of the fans who has been waiting to have a glimpse of Messi, while expressing his anger, stated that, "It's an absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," as cited by news agency ANI. Fans show disbelief Another fan who got extremely disappointed emphasised, "We are very disappointed... My child was very excited to see Messi... I think it's a scam for the people. When Messi arrived, everyone surrounded him." Furthermore, one angry fan also claimed that he had bought a ticket for Rs 12 thousand but didn't see Lionel Messi's face during the event. He added, "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi... Why did they call us then...? We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face," reported ANI. Another fan, while expressing their opinion about the poor management for Messi’s Kolkata appearance, highlighted, "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," as per ANI. Earlier, Messi virtually inaugurated a 70-foot-tall statue of himself at Lake Town in Kolkata on Saturday, along with West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose. The Argentine football legend arrived in the City of Joy early on Saturday morning to an overwhelming reception from fans. Enthusiastic supporters gathered in large numbers across key locations in Kolkata, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon, reflecting the immense popularity Messi enjoys in the country, particularly in West Bengal. (With inputs from ANI)
13 December,2025 04:43 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentOn day one of Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025, the prime organiser of the event in Kolkata was detained by police following allegations of mismanagement and chaos at the stadium, West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar said on Friday, reported the PTI. According to the DGP, the event saw serious crowd management issues, which led to inconvenience and disappointment among spectators. Police intervened after complaints were received regarding poor arrangements and lack of proper control at the venue. Organiser asked to refund the ticket prices to upset spectators Rajeev Kumar also said that the organiser has been directed to refund the ticket prices to spectators who were affected by the mismanagement. The refund process will be carried out to compensate fans who were unable to enjoy the event as planned, according to the PTI. The police said further action will be taken after a detailed review of the incident. Police use force to control crowd According to the ANI, chaos broke out at Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan) in Kolkata on Saturday after angry fans accused organisers of poor management during the Lionel Messi GOAT Tour event. Police personnel used mild force to disperse the crowd after some spectators attempted to vandalise the stadium. The officials said that several fans tried to enter the ground, damage tents and pull down goalposts after failing to get a clear view of the Argentine football legend. Fans angry over short appearance Lionel Messi arrived at the stadium around 11.30 am, accompanied by Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. However, his appearance on the pitch was brief and tightly guarded. He walked a short distance, waved to the crowd and left earlier than scheduled. Many fans who had paid between Rs 4,500 and Rs 10,000 for tickets said they were unable to see Messi properly. Some claimed that politicians, organisers and celebrities surrounded him, blocking the view from the stands, the ANI reported. One fan said that he paid Rs 12,000 for a ticket but did not even see Messi’s face. Others complained that promises of a full stadium lap, penalties and celebrity appearances were not kept, the news agency reported. Vandalism and police action As frustration grew, bottles and plastic chairs were thrown onto the field. Sponsor banners were torn, fibreglass seats were damaged and barricades were pulled down. Hundreds of people spilled onto the pitch, forcing police to deploy additional forces, including the Rapid Action Force, to regain control. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologises, orders probe West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to fans and Lionel Messi after the event descended into disorder. In a post on X, she said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the mismanagement, according to the PTI. Mamata Banerjee stated that a high-level enquiry committee headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) as members will probe the matter. The panel will fix responsibility and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in future. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
13 December,2025 04:02 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentThe Gadchiroli Police in Maharashtra, under their initiative 'Project Udaan', organised the 11th competitive examination practice test in the Maoists-affected areas of the district on December 13, 2025 to help students prepare for upcoming recruitment and competitive exams, an official statement said on Saturday. The initiative aims to support students from remote and very remote areas of the district who often lack access to proper guidance and study facilities, it said. Wide participation across the district The police said that the practice test was conducted at the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters and at 74 public libraries set up under the "One Village, One Library" initiative across police stations, sub-posts and outposts. More than 4,000 students participated in the test across the district. So far, a total of 37,750 students have appeared for exams conducted through 11 test series under Project Udaan. Students from remote areas such as Bhamragad, Aheri, Etapalli, Hedri and Sironcha in Gadchiroli showed enthusiastic participation. Special participation was also recorded from newly established police help centres and posts, including Pengunda, Nelgunda and Wangeturi. Support for multiple competitive exams The practice paper was designed to help students preparing for police constable recruitment, forest guard recruitment, talathi recruitment, combined examinations, and other competitive exams. Exams were conducted at public libraries, Gram Panchayat offices and police facilities to ensure easy access for students, the statement said. At the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters, around 2,500 students appeared for the test. New library participation A special highlight was the participation of seven students at the newly established Bhagwan Birsa Munda Public Library at Gardewada, which was inaugurated under the One Village, One Library initiative on December 9, 2025, the statement said. Guidance from senior cops During the examination, Superintendent of Police Neelotpal and Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Kartik Madhira visited the examination centre, interacted with students, and encouraged them to stay motivated. "The successful conduct of the programme was made possible under the guidance of SP Neelotpal, Additional SP (Operations) M. Ramesh, and Additional SP (Administration) Kartik Madhira, with the support of all sub-divisional police officers, officers in charge of police stations, posts and outposts, and the Civil Action Branch, led by PSI Chandrakant Shelke, along with police personnel," an official statement said.
13 December,2025 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday ordered a high-level enquiry after chaos erupted during football icon Lionel Messi's appearance at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, expressing regret over the mismanagement and apologising to the Argentine legend, his fans and sports lovers. The Chief Minister's remarks came after disgruntled fans, upset over poor crowd management and Messi's brief appearance at the venue, allegedly vandalised parts of the stadium. The incident prompted the state government to announce the constitution of an enquiry committee to fix responsibility and recommend corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply disturbed by the events that unfolded at the stadium. " I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi," the Chief Minister said in her post. I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.I… — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025 "I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members," she added. The Chief Minister further stated that the committee would conduct a detailed probe into the incident. "The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers," Banerjee said. Following this, several frustrated fans criticised ministers and politicians for monopolising Messi's time and failing to deliver promised attractions, such as actor Shah Rukh Khan. Speaking to ANI, angry fans accused the Ministers and politicians of hogging Messi's time and failing to deliver on promises, such as securing Cine Star Shah Rukh Khan for the event. "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," said one fan "We are very disappointed... My child was very excited to see Messi... I think it's a scam for the people. When Messi arrived, everyone surrounded him," another fan told ANI. One angry fan claimed that he had bought a ticket for Rs 12 thousand but didn't see Lionel Messi's face during the event. "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi...Why did they call us then... We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face," he said. A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi said, "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything." Earlier, Messi virtually inaugurated a 70-foot-tall statue of himself at Lake Town in Kolkata on Saturday, along with West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose. The Argentine football legend arrived in the City of Joy early on Saturday morning to an overwhelming reception from fans. Enthusiastic supporters gathered in large numbers across key locations in Kolkata, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon, reflecting the immense popularity Messi enjoys in the country, particularly in West Bengal. Demonstrating its admiration for Lionel Messi, the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club has completed construction of a massive 70-foot iron statue in Lake Town, South Dum Dum, Kolkata. The statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, symbolising his historic triumph with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The statue will be virtually unveiled by Messi himself, making the occasion even more special for fans.
13 December,2025 03:23 PM IST | Kolkata | ANIDelhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Saturday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 393 at around 8 am, placing the city in the 'Very Poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This follows a continuation of unhealthy air conditions observed on Friday, when the AQI had stood at 349 at around 4 pm A dense layer of smog persisted across several parts of the national capital, reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents, according to the news agency ANI. Several areas were categorised as having ‘Severe’ air quality. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 436, shrouded in thick toxic smog. Other locations, including Ashok Vihar (435), ITO (425), DTU (426), and Nehru Nagar (427), also reported critically poor air quality in the ‘Severe’ category. However, air quality varied across the city, with several areas recording an AQI in the 'Very Poor' category. According to the CPCB, Najafgarh recorded an AQI of 312, while Shadipur registered 375. Okhla Phase 2 and Dwarka Sector 8 recorded AQI of 400 and 394, respectively, indicating slightly better air quality than other areas but still reflecting a decline, reported ANI. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday that her government is working on multiple fronts to effectively and sustainably control pollution in the capital. She stated that eliminating dust pollution is among the government's top priorities. To achieve this goal, wall-to-wall roads are being constructed across Delhi at an 'accelerated' pace. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Gupta said that to ensure there are no hurdles in road construction, MLAs have been provided with substantial funds amounting to several crores. She emphasised that pollution control cannot be achieved through government efforts alone; active public participation is equally important. Citizens must understand their role in reducing dust and smoke and act accordingly, reported ANI. CM Rekha Gupta further noted that flying dust is a major contributor to pollution in Delhi; therefore, wall-to-wall roads are an effective solution for ensuring long-term dust control along road edges. She instructed MLAs to ensure that all new construction or repair works adhere strictly to the wall-to-wall road model. She also clarified that if additional funds are required for this work, they will be provided immediately. (With ANI inputs)
13 December,2025 02:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra experienced cool temperatures across most regions on Saturday, with minimums dipping below 10 degrees Celsius in several areas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar and Ahilyanagar recorded minimum temperatures of 12.9 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively, with relative humidity ranging from 53 per cent to 97 per cent. Both locations reported no rainfall, while seasonal rainfall stood at 296.4 millimetres in Mahabaleshwar and 84.4 millimetres in Ahilyanagar. In the coastal regions, Dahanu recorded a minimum of 15.3 degrees Celsius with 71 per cent humidity, while Ratnagiri reported 17.1 degrees Celsius and 41 per cent humidity. Harnai experienced warmer conditions, with a low of 21.4 degrees Celsius and dry weather. Colaba, the southern tip of Mumbai, recorded a minimum of 20.7 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity. Urban areas of the state saw chilly mornings as well. Thane-Belapur Industrial area recorded a minimum of 19.2 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent humidity, while Pune and Baramati dropped to 8.8 degrees Celsius and 7.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. Nasik, Parbhani, and Dharashiv reported minimum temperatures of 8.6 degrees Celsius, 11.5 degrees Celsius, and 10.2 degrees Celsius. Matheran remained mild at 17.2 degrees Celsius, as per the IMD. The interior districts including Satara (9.5 degrees Celsius), Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (11.2 degrees Celsius), Kolhapur (14.0 degrees Celsius), and Sangli (11.7 degrees Celsius) experienced clear skies with patches of haze. Nanded recorded a slightly warmer minimum of 9.9 degrees Celsius with maximum temperatures touching 29.4 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was reported across the state during the 24-hour period ending Friday morning, though seasonal rainfall accumulation varied significantly, from 41.2 millimetres in Dharashiv to 405.7 millimetres in Ratnagiri. Residents were advised to carry light woollens during early mornings and evenings as temperatures remain cool across the state. Mumbai sees minimum 17 degrees Celsius, AQI 115; clear skies expected Clear skies expected across city and suburbs on Saturday, with maximum temperatures around 34 degrees Celsius and minimum 17 degrees Celsius, says the IMD. Air quality remains moderate, with the SAMEER app reporting an AQI of 115. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart conditions, may experience breathing discomfort. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions while commuting or spending extended time outdoors.
13 December,2025 01:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFans in Kolkata on Saturday expressed excitement about football legend Lionel Messi's arrival in the city. Messi arrived in Kolkata early in the morning on Saturday for the much-anticipated GOAT Tour 2025. Fans had eagerly awaited the moment, with thousands turning up to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend. Messi is staying at a hotel in Kolkata, where fans have gathered outside the hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of the football legend. Crowds have also assembled at the Salt Lake Stadium, where Messi is scheduled to arrive to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly. A newly married couple, among the many fans gathered outside the Salt Lake Stadium, told ANI that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi in Kolkata. "We recently got married, but on Messi's visit, we cancelled our honeymoon plan because first we wanted to see Messi... We are very excited to see him, and we have been following him for 10-12 years," Karan, a Messi fan, told ANI. His wife echoed the sentiment, saying, "Last Friday we got married, and we cancelled our honeymoon plan because Messi is coming as this is important. We have been following him since 2010." Aayush, a fan from Nepal, said he is thrilled to see Messi, calling it a childhood dream and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that brought him to Kolkata. "I can't express my feelings in words. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which is why I have come to Kolkata from Nepal," Aayush told ANI. Notably, this is the first time since 2011 that Messi has visited India. Back then, the legendary footballer visited Kolkata and played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0. With Messi again coming to India, fans are excited and have prepared for a grand celebration for his arrival in Kolkata.
13 December,2025 01:24 PM IST | Kolkata | ANIThousands braved the December chill and waited past midnight to give a rousing welcome to Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi as he arrived in Kolkata for his whirlwind three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. The Barcelona legend's 2.26 am touchdown in the early hours of Saturday sent the city into a frenzy. Gate 4 of the international arrivals turned into a roaring sea of chants, flags and flashing phones, with fans sprinting between gates for even a fleeting glimpse of their favourite sports star. Messi fans welcome him at the airport in Kolkata Children perched on shoulders and drums rolled as Messi was whisked out through the VIP gate under massive security. A heavy convoy then escorted him to his hotel, where another huge crowd was waiting deep into the night. Barricades, police deployment, and non-stop cheering completed a citywide eruption of "Messi mania." Messi arrived with long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Over the next 72 hours, he will zip across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, meeting chief ministers, corporate leaders, Bollywood celebrities and eventually Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 December,2025 01:23 PM IST | Kolkata | PTIADVERTISEMENT
-1765619530007_d.png "West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Filepic")
