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Kolkata
The Mecca of Indian football, Kolkata, is all set to welcome Lionel Messi on his GOAT India Tour 2025 on Saturday. The Argentine legend would inaugurate a 70-feet bronze statue of him holding the 2022 World Cup trophy on the Eastern Metropolitan bypass near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town.
A deluge of fans would throng the iconic Salt Lake Stadium to get a glimpse of Messi, between 11a.m. and 12.30 p.m, playing a friendly match. Among other programmes, he will interact with a few select fans in a meet and greet function at the stadium. It is his second visit, the first coming in September 2011, when he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela.
Dyuti Ghosh, a research scholar and ardent football fan, has already managed her tickets. “I have been a fan of Argentina since my childhood. Seeing Messi play for the national team as well as Barcelona has been a pure treat. Thus, getting an opportunity to see him in person will be a dream come true moment for football fans like us,” Ms. Ghosh said.
Many like Ms. Ghosh are excited to meet their icon. Netizens are posting pictures of tickets on social media and sharing their love for Messi. Argentina and Barcelona jerseys are selling like hot cakes. After the Kolkata tour, Messi will visit Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Notably, Kolkata has also hosted football legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldinho.
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