Kolkata, Dec 13 — Bollywood star and Kolkata Knight Riders co‑owner Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by his younger son AbRam Khan, greeted football legend Lionel Messi at Salt Lake Stadium during the GOAT Tour.
Messi hit the city for a three‑day stint that kicked off on Saturday. He was met by a sea of supporters at the airport well into the night, and more fans streamed in outside his hotel. Joining him on the tour were Argentina’s World‑Cup champion Rodrygo de Paul and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez.
A virtual unveiling of Messi’s 70‑foot statue took place in Lake Town, close to the Sribhumi clock‑tower. Minister Sujit Bose hosted the ceremony, where Rodrygo and Suarez were in attendance. The icon thanked everyone with a “Muchas Gracias” before continuing his remarks in Spanish.
Shortly after, Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam were spotted meeting the superstar, who greeted the actor with a broad grin.
Mohun Bagan Super Giants owner Sanjeev Goenka also had a moment with Messi, presenting him with a ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Legends’ caravan. On his X account, Goenka posted a photo of the two together, writing: “#LionelMessi… the milestones, the magic, the mastery. And then you meet him and realise the humility is the real headline. An absolute privilege.”
Messi describes the visit as a homecoming; his last match in India was back in 2011 when Argentina beat Venezuela 1‑0 in a friendly. He plans to stay until December 15, covering four destinations. After wrapping up in Kolkata, he’ll head to Hyderabad.
The trip follows Inter Miami’s first MLS title earlier this week, adding another trophy to the 48‑trophy haul that marks yet another milestone in his storied career.
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