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Summary:

Lionel Messi has arrived in India for his “GOAT Tour of India.” He landed in Kolkata with teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, greeted by enthusiastic fans. His schedule includes a virtual unveiling of his statue with Shah Rukh Khan, meetings with Sourav Ganguly and Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, and a visit to Hyderabad, where he will participate in an exhibition football match with Telangana’s CM Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi. The tour also includes visits to Mumbai and Delhi, culminating in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
News Article:

Messi Mania Grips India as Football Legend Embarks on ‘GOAT Tour’

Kolkata/Hyderabad, India – Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated “GOAT Tour of India” is underway, igniting a frenzy of excitement among football fans across the nation. The Argentinian superstar touched down in Kolkata early Saturday morning, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez.

Hundreds of fervent fans, waving Argentinian flags and chanting “Messi! Messi!”, thronged the airport to welcome the football icon, marking his return to India after 14 years. Messi and his team are staying at a five-star hotel in Kolkata.

The day began with a virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi in Lake Town, with Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan joining the event remotely. Security concerns prevented Messi from attending the unveiling in person. Later in the day, Messi is slated to meet with former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Salt Lake Stadium.

Following his Kolkata engagements, Messi will travel to Hyderabad, where he will participate in an exhibition football match at the Uppal Stadium, dubbed the “GOAT Cup.” Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are also expected to participate in the match, scheduled for 7 PM.

Messi’s whirlwind 72-hour tour will also include visits to Mumbai and Delhi, with scheduled events in both cities on the 14th and 15th respectively. The tour will culminate with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Monday.

The “GOAT Tour of India” marks a significant moment for Indian football fans, offering a rare opportunity to witness the magic of Lionel Messi firsthand.

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