Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to start the GOAT India Tour 2025, setting off a wave of excitement that swept through Kolkata before dawn. The Argentine legend touched down after travelling from Miami via Dubai, and even at the late hour, thousands of fans packed the airport perimeter for a glimpse of the World Cup winner.

Crowds chanted his name, waved Argentina flags and climbed onto barricades as police tightened a heavy security ring around the terminal. “There’s a great atmosphere of joy that Messi is coming to India after 14 years,” tour organiser Satadru Dutta said. “Football’s connection to India is growing again. Never before have so many sponsors come to Indian football.”

FANS WAIT FOR HOURS

Supporters who rushed to the airport long before his

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