Sat Dec 13 06:45:38 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Messi Statue Unveiled in Kolkata, Football Icon Joined Virtually by Shah Rukh Khan
KOLKATA, INDIA – December 14, 2025 – A 70-foot statue of Argentinian football superstar Lionel Messi was unveiled at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Kolkata on Saturday. While Messi arrived in Kolkata early that morning, he joined the event virtually from his hotel, the Hyatt Regency, where he was later joined by Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam.
The stadium was filled with enthusiastic fans eager to witness this special occasion marking Messi’s visit to India. The statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, commemorating his historic 2022 World Cup victory.
West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose confirmed that Messi and his team had approved the statue and were delighted with the final result. According to Bose, the club maintained close contact with Messi’s management throughout the process.
AbRam Khan was seen taking pictures with Messi and his teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrygo de Paul. Shah Rukh Khan appeared thrilled to see his son interacting with the football stars.
This marks Messi’s first visit to India since 2011 when he played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium. Satadru Dutta, promoter and organizer of Messi’s GOAT India Tour, emphasized the excitement and renewed enthusiasm for football that Messi’s visit has sparked across the country. Dutta highlighted the growing connection between football and India, noting the unprecedented level of sponsorship in Indian football.
(With ANI Inputs)
First Piper 