Kolkata, Dec 13 (V7N)- Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata early Friday, marking his return to India after nearly 14 years. Messi landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at around 2:30 am on a special flight, accompanied by his club teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

A massive crowd of fans gathered at the airport in the early hours to catch a glimpse of the football icon, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.

According to the official schedule, Messi will attend a sponsors’ event at his hotel at 9:30 am on Saturday, following which he will proceed to Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) at 10:00 am.

Messi is set to take part in the much-anticipated ‘GOAT Concert’ at the Salt Lake Stadium. He will also witness the exhibition match titled Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars vs Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars, organized in his honor.

The football legend was also scheduled to unveil his statue at Lake Town on the same day. However, due to security concerns, the unveiling will now take place virtually from the hotel, organizers said.

Meanwhile, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan also arrived in Kolkata late Thursday night. The event will mark the first-ever appearance of Messi and Shah Rukh Khan together on the same stage, adding further glamour to the historic occasion.

Messi’s arrival has reignited football fever in the city, long regarded as one of India’s strongest football hubs.

END/SMA/AJ