Messi meets Shah Rukh Khan as GOAT Tour begins in Kolkata

Lionel Messi's India visit began in Kolkata on Friday, where the Argentine legend met Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a crossover moment that lit up social media and thrilled fans across fandoms.

Messi, alongside teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul and Shah Rukh were seen greeting each other warmly at a closed-door event attended by dignitaries and organisers, marking one of the highlights of Day 1 of Messi's GOAT Tour of India 2025. Images and videos of the meeting quickly went viral.

The Kolkata leg of Messi's visit is currently underway, with a series of events scheduled across the day. As part of the celebrations, a 70-foot iron statue of Messi has been installed near Salt Lake Stadium, drawing huge crowds since morning.

However, due to security and logistical arrangements, Messi is expected to formally unveil the statue virtually later today, according to organisers and state officials.

The ceremony surrounding the statue is ongoing, with fans gathering in large numbers as preparations continue.

Messi's Kolkata appearance marks his first visit to India in over a decade. The World Cup-winning captain is scheduled to travel to other cities in the coming days as part of the nationwide.