Kolkata gears up to welcome Lionel Messi for his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025: See pics

Football legend Lionel Messi is all set to visit Kolkata on December 13. See how the city readies itself for his arrival. 

Published on: Dec 12, 2025 6:29 PM IST

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Football icon Lionel Messi is all set to arrive in Kolkata on December 13 as a part of his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. The City of Joy is gearing up to welcome the legend, which is a dream come true for many football fans. Shops are selling the iconic number 10 jersey.    (PTI/Manvender Vashist Lav)

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The city is welcoming him with a 70-foot statue, capturing one of the iconic moments when he lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022. It is currently partially covered and will be unveiled soon.  (PTI)

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Vendors across the city are selling merchandise, such as colourful shirts featuring his image and jersey number.   (PTI)

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Other than shirts, scarves are also being sold for enthusiastic fans awaiting his arrival.  (PTI)

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On the eve of Lionel Messi's 'GOAT Tour India 2025' at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium in Kolkata, fans cheer.  (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

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Excited fans are seen buying merch ahead of Messi's much-anticipated arrival in Kolkata.  (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav)

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Rehearsals are being held at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium. Volunteers are seen waving Indian and Argentinian flags.  (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

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Artist Swapan Kumar Das drew a street portrait of Lionel Messi. This is his first visit after the 2011 visit.   (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)