Newlyweds in Kolkata delay honeymoon to see Lionel Messi as city erupts in frenzy for football star. Watch

Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata marked the first stop of his three-day, four-city tour across India.

Lionel Messi’s arrival in Kolkata early on Saturday prompted large crowds outside Salt Lake Stadium, with one newly married couple saying they postponed their honeymoon in order to see the footballer in person.

The Argentine captain reached the city in the early hours as part of the opening leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025. His arrival generated widespread excitement among supporters, many of whom gathered hours in advance despite the cold.

Speaking to news agency ANI, a fan who had recently married said the couple had altered their personal plans to be present for the occasion. “Last Friday we got married, but when we came to know about Messi’s visit, we cancelled our honeymoon plan because first we wanted to see Messi,” the fan said. The supporter added that they had followed the footballer’s career for over a decade. “We have been following him since 2010 and are very excited to see him,” they said.

#WATCH | West Bengal | A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi says, "... Last Friday we got married, and we cancelled our honeymoon plan because Messi is coming as this is important... We have been following him since 2010..." pic.twitter.com/9UKx0K9dGy

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025

According to Times of India, supporters began assembling outside Salt Lake Stadium late on Friday night, forming long queues near Gate 4. Many were seen carrying Argentina flags, beating drums and chanting Messi’s name as security arrangements were put in place.

According to officials, Messi’s flight landed at 2:26 am. He was escorted out through a VIP exit under tight security, with police and event staff managing the crowd movement around the venue.

Another fan, speaking amid the celebrations, expressed long-standing admiration for the footballer. “I have loved Messi since 2007,” the supporter said, adding, "Mohabbat hai". In 2026, we will get the World Cup again. Argentina will be the champion.”

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | An ecstatic fan of star footballer Lionel Messi says, "I have loved Messi since 2007... 'Mohabbat hai'... In 2026, we will get the World Cup again. Argentina will be the champion..." https://t.co/nRenVILv6ipic.twitter.com/daea8mtIbS — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025

Messi’s visit to Kolkata marked the first stop of his three-day, four-city tour across India. Following the Kolkata programme, the footballer is scheduled to travel to three additional cities, with organisers expecting similar turnouts at each location.

The scenes in Kolkata reflected the sustained popularity Messi has enjoyed in the city for years, particularly after Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup victory.