Kolkata is once again gearing up for a football extravaganza. Fourteen years have passed since that memorable night in 2011 when a young Lionel Messi took the field for Argentina against Venezuela at the Youth Stadium, but back then, the title of “World Champion” was not yet part of his name. Times have changed. This time, Kolkata will host none other than the World Cup-winning captain, MLS Cup-winning Inter Miami leader – Lionel Messi.
তিলোত্তমায় মেসির সাড়ে ১২ ঘণ্টার সফরে ঠাসা কর্মসূচি, কি থাকছে বিশেষ চমক?
Meet & Greet and Virtual Statue Unveiling
The day kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with a Meet & Greet event. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., the virtual unveiling of LM10’s statue will take place. Following that, he will head to the Youth Stadium, where stars will be arriving one after another:
11:30 a.m.: Shah Rukh Khan
12:00 p.m.: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Legendary cricketer Sourav Ganguly will also be present
A special session of football, celebrity interaction, and felicitation will run from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. After that, Messi will head to the airport and fly to Hyderabad at 2:00 p.m. In all, it will be just 12.5 hours – but an emotionally charged visit.
Unprecedented Security Arrangements
With the presence of the Chief Minister, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sourav Ganguly, security measures are being taken to the highest level. Around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed under the leadership of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. Inspectors, SIs, and constables from various parts of the city will be on duty, alongside the RAF. Strict traffic control and special parking guidelines have been prepared.
The city has seen legends like Pelé, Maradona, and Messi before, yet the excitement of his return is unique. The young talent of 2011 has now become a legend. Once again, Kolkata will witness history, and the city will rediscover itself amid the frenzy of Messi mania.