Football legend Lionel Messi’s much-awaited India visit officially began with a memorable moment in Kolkata as the global icon met Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and posed with his son AbRam during the opening day of his tour. The meeting took place ahead of the grand virtual unveiling of Messi’s towering 70-foot statue at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, marking a historic start to the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour.
A video shared by news agency PTI on X quickly went viral, showing Shah Rukh Khan warmly greeting Lionel Messi at the venue. The actor was accompanied by his youngest son, AbRam Khan, who also posed for photographs with the football legend. The rare crossover between Indian cinema and world football instantly captured public attention, becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour.
Shah Rukh Khan arrived in Kolkata earlier in the day with AbRam, drawing crowds at the airport. Dressed in a grey hoodie, muted trousers, and a black cap, the actor kept his travel look understated yet stylish. AbRam appeared relaxed in a black tracksuit, adding a personal and emotional touch to the high-profile event linked to the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour.
SRK’s teaser ahead of Messi meeting
Two days before the event, Shah Rukh Khan had already sparked excitement with a cryptic post on X. Clarifying that his Kolkata visit was not related to his IPL team, he wrote that he hoped the day would be “completely Messi.” The post further fueled anticipation around the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour, with fans eager to witness the historic interaction live.
Messi’s return to Kolkata after 2011
The GOAT India Tour holds special significance as it marks Lionel Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, when he played for Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela at the same Salt Lake Stadium. Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning and received a rousing welcome from thousands of fans at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, underlining the craze surrounding the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour.
FAQs
Q: What is the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour?
A: The Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour is a multi-city visit celebrating Messi’s football legacy across India, starting in Kolkata.
Q: Why did Shah Rukh Khan meet Messi during the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour?
A: Shah Rukh Khan attended the Kolkata event as a special guest during the opening of the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour.
Q: When was Lionel Messi’s last visit to India before this tour?
A: Messi last visited India in 2011 for an international friendly match in Kolkata.
Q: Which cities are included in the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour?
A: The tour will cover Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
