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  • Lionel Messi: Fans from Different States Frame ‘Messi God,’ A Scene at Gate No. 2?

    Lionel Messi: Fans from Different States Frame ‘Messi God,’ A Scene at Gate No. 2?

    Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is set to set foot in India this time. Over three days, he will visit four cities Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi to meet the country’s football fans in person. From stadium events and celebrity meet-and-greets to fashion shows and exhibition matches, the entire tour promises to be packed with excitement, offering fans a major attraction at every moment.

    ‘মেসি ভগবান’কে ফ্রেম বন্দি করতে ভিন্ন রাজ্যের বাসিন্দারা, ২ নং গেটে একী কান্ড?

    The ticket redemption process began at the end of last week. On the final day, fans coming to redeem their tickets displayed remarkable enthusiasm. Around the Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata, Messi fans from different states were spotted gathering.

    On this day, Argentine jerseys with Messi’s picture and the text “Welcome Messi” were being sold. Additionally, jerseys featuring East Bengal along with Argentina were available for ₹300. One seller stated, “Jersey sales have been quite good over the past few days. With Messi coming, we hope sales will increase even more on the day of the event.”

    lionel-messi-india-goat-tour-2025

    A buyer mentioned, “Messi is our god. To see him in person and wear his jersey—both are a huge privilege for me. We can’t miss this.”

    Among the fans redeeming tickets, there were couples who were not residents of Kolkata. A pair from Odisha said, “We are Messi fans. We came here just to see our god in person.”

    Fans like Sadanon from Manipur and Mounten and Mira from Assam also caught attention. A group of 30 friends came from Shillong. One of them, Danny, said, “Messi is the best among all footballers. If he had stayed a little longer in the stadium, our joy would have been even greater.”

    lionel-messi-goat-tour-2025

    In front of Gate No. 2 at Yuva Bharati, Andruman from Kerala was selling Messi stickers. He said, “I have been collecting these stickers for several years. I even designed some of them myself. Since Messi’s Kerala tour was canceled, I came to Kolkata. Messi has been my favorite footballer since childhood.”

    lionel-messi-goat-tour-2025

    Even before Messi’s arrival, Kolkata was already buzzing with Messi fever. Football fans were seen at every corner, eagerly waiting to see their beloved star, holding jerseys and stickers in hand.

  • Lionel Messi : Packed 12.5-Hour Visit to Tilottoma, What Special Surprises Await?

    Lionel Messi : Packed 12.5-Hour Visit to Tilottoma, What Special Surprises Await?

    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?

     
    Messi is set to land in the city at 1:30 a.m. on Friday. From that moment, Kolkata will be swept up in excitement. After a brief rest at his hotel, his tightly scheduled itinerary begins – not a single moment will be wasted, and his fans might not even sleep that day.

    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.

  • Lionel Messi: How to Watch the ‘Messi Magic’ From Home? Full Streaming Details

    Lionel Messi: How to Watch the ‘Messi Magic’ From Home? Full Streaming Details

    Kolkata is celebrating like a festival. The reason? Only a few hours left before Lionel Messi arrives. When the greatest star in football history is about to set foot in the city, excitement naturally spreads across all of Bengal. After 2011, Messi is coming to India again — but this time it’s even more special, because now he is World Cup winning Messi.

    স্টেডিয়াম নয় ঘরে বসে কী ভাবে দেখবেন ‘মেসি ম্যাজিক’? রইল বিস্তারিত

     
    The football magician will land in Kolkata around 1 AM on 12 December (technically 13 December as per the calendar). After that, his schedule is so packed that the city seems to be waiting breathlessly for every single step he takes.
     

    Messi’s Main Event in Kolkata — 13 December

    9:30 AM — Special programme at his hotel with sponsors

    Around 10 AM — Departs for the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan)

    At the stadium, he will attend the Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All-Stars vs Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All-Stars match, which he will watch from the ground

    After the match, he will interact with the players of both teams

    Later, from the hotel, he will virtually inaugurate a 70-foot statue of Messi

    By afternoon, he will fly to Hyderabad

    On 14 December, he will take part in various events in Mumbai, and on 15 December, in Delhi. During the tour, he is also expected to meet Shah Rukh Khan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Didn’t get tickets? Don’t worry! Where to watch Messi?

    Even though many people could not get tickets to the stadium, the good news is that Messi’s entire tour can be enjoyed right from home.

    ✔ Messi’s Kolkata tour will be streamed live on the Sony LIV app and website.
    (A Sony LIV subscription is required.)

    ✔ Selected events of the GOAT India Tour 2025 will also be broadcast on—

    Prasar Bharati YouTube channel

    DD Sports TV channel

    Preparations are at full swing everywhere from Kolkata airport to the Salt Lake Stadium. The city’s streets are filled with Messi posters, fans singing, flags and blue-and-white lights reflecting Argentina’s colours. Many say that seeing Messi once in their lifetime is their greatest dream come true. Kolkata, the football-loving city, feels like it has once again transformed into the football capital of the world. Just a few more hours — and India will see its dream man. All of Bengal waits eagerly for the Messi Magic.

  • Lionel Messi : Mohun Bagan Foreigners Excited, But Coach Lobera Stays Silent About His Former Student

    Lionel Messi : Mohun Bagan Foreigners Excited, But Coach Lobera Stays Silent About His Former Student

    Kolkata is currently at the heart of football frenzy. The city is buzzing with one name Lionel Messi. Long before the Argentine superstar’s arrival, excitement has been building among fans and ISL footballers alike. That wave of enthusiasm has swept into the Mohun Bagan Super Giant training ground as well.

    মেসির খোঁজে বাগানের এই দুই বিদেশি, প্রাক্তন ছাত্রকে নিয়ে চুপ গুরু লোবেরা

     

    On Thursday, after the training session, Australian World Cupper Jason Cummings jokingly asked the reporters waiting outside, “Has Messi arrived already?” Many of his teammates also echoed the same curiosity. The reason is simple—Messi is expected to stay in the same hotel where the foreign players of Mohun Bagan currently reside. Hearing this, another Australian, Dimitri Petratos, laughed and said, “Wish I could share a room with Messi!”

    On the same day, Mohun Bagan officially began a new chapter under Spanish coach Sergio Lobera. He conducted a rigorous 90-minute training session on his very first day. However, Liston Colaco and Sahal Abdul Samad were absent due to personal reasons, while Apuiya missed training because of fever.

    Interestingly, while the players were buzzing with Messi mania, Lobera remained completely calm. Having been the assistant coach at Barcelona in 2012, he once coached Messi himself. But when asked about his former student’s visit to Kolkata, the new Mohun Bagan head coach chose to remain tight-lipped.

    The long wait is finally coming to an end, as Lionel Messi is set to arrive in Kolkata just after midnight on 11 December. The city is preparing to welcome the World Cup-winning captain with grand celebrations.

    On Saturday, the excitement in Kolkata will reach its peak as the Youth Bharati Stadium prepares to host one of the biggest football events in the city’s recent history. Amid growing speculation about whether Shah Rukh Khan will share the stage with Messi, the Bollywood icon confirmed the news on Thursday.
    On social media, Shah Rukh wrote: “No plans with the Knights this time in Kolkata. The day belongs entirely to Messi. See you on the 13th at Salt Lake Stadium.”

    This means fans will witness both Messi and Shah Rukh on the same stage—an early Christmas gift for the people of Bengal. Also expected to attend the event are Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with several other dignitaries.

    Messi’s arrival is more than just a football moment—it is an emotion, a celebration deeply intertwined with Kolkata’s culture, passion, and history.

  • East Bengal, Punjab FC Set for Blockbuster Super Cup Semi Final

    East Bengal, Punjab FC Set for Blockbuster Super Cup Semi Final

    The race to reach the AIFF Super Cup 2025 final intensifies on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as four heavyweights East Bengal FC, Punjab FC, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC gear up for a high-stakes double-header semi-final at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa.

    The action begins at 16:00 IST with a clash between 2024 champions East Bengal FC and first-time semi-finalists Punjab FC. Later, at 20:00 IST, defending champions FC Goa face Mumbai City FC. Both matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Khel and streamed on JioHotstar.

    Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    Semi-final 1: East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC (16:00 IST)

    Both teams arrive with momentum after navigating two of the competition’s toughest groups.
    East Bengal sealed their spot with a gritty 0–0 draw against rivals Mohun Bagan SG, while Punjab FC advanced after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Bengaluru FC, having produced an identical defensive record with no goals conceded in the group stage.

    Bruzon: “We trust our identity and game model.”

    East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón highlighted the long-term preparation behind his team’s campaign:

    “Our preparation has been ongoing for months. We started training in July, played pre-season tournaments, and integrated new players. This helped us build automatisms and collective understanding. We feel mature in what we do, and tomorrow we must bring that onto the pitch.”

    Full-back Jay Gupta also emphasised the team’s motivation:

    “This tournament offers a spot in Asia, something our fans truly deserve. We’re fully prepared and excited to get on the pitch.”

    East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

    Respect for Punjab’s defence

    Punjab FC’s defensive solidity has been one of the stories of the tournament. When asked about possible weaknesses, Bruzón maintained a respectful but cautious tone:

    “We have huge respect for Punjab. They haven’t conceded once. They’re aggressive, compact, and strong in transitions. We expect changes from them — new players, substitutions, maybe even a different system.”

    On handling pressure and expectations from East Bengal’s massive fan base, Bruzón added:

    “At East Bengal, if you don’t understand what it means to be part of this club, the job becomes difficult. We play with hunger and commitment. Thinking about the final or Asia now would distract us.”

    Punjab FC: Calm, confident, and ready

    Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation:

    “After qualifying, the players got a deserved break. Then we had three and a half weeks of full training and friendlies to fine-tune the team.”

    Midfielder Leon Augustine echoed the positive mood:

    “We’ve worked hard and had a good run in the group stage. The long training period helped. There’s no pressure on us — East Bengal are a good team, but we’re ready.”

    Dilmperis on East Bengal and knockout football

    Despite East Bengal defeating Punjab twice last ISL season — including a 4–2 comeback victory in Kolkata — Dilmperis remained measured:

    “East Bengal are strong in every department. We respect them.”

    On Punjab’s defensive focus, he added:

    “A clean sheet is crucial in knockout football — it helps in extra time or penalties. We’d love to have possession, but we’re ready for any scenario.”

  • Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    Super Cup 2025 semifinal is just a night away. In Goa, East Bengal is set to face Panagiotis Dilmpers’ strong Punjab FC. Notably, last month Punjab secured their semifinal spot by defeating the mighty Bengaluru FC in their final group-stage match. In the tie-breaker, this ISL side got the better of Sunil Chhetri’s team. So Oscar Bruzón knew well in advance that this clash would be anything but easy. That is why, right after a short break, the East Bengal coach resumed training in full swing.

    Initially, Bino George supervised the training sessions, but soon after arriving in the city, the Spanish coach took full charge. After weeks of preparation in Kolkata, the Red and Gold brigade finally arrived in Goa. However, in the midst of all this, one of the team’s most reliable defenders, Joy Gupta, suffered an injury. This undoubtedly sparked concern within the camp. As a result, over the past few days, the Indian defender has mainly been working on his fitness from the sidelines. If he is unavailable for the upcoming semifinal, it could significantly impact the team’s performance.

    There is no need to state that again. Still, the management’s top priority was to get him fully fit before the match. According to the latest update, during the final training session on the eve of the semifinal, the national team defender was seen practicing with the main squad in high spirits. This clearly indicates that he is much fitter than before. However, whether Oscar will include him in the starting XI remains the big question, and everyone’s attention will be on that decision.

    On the other hand, Dilmpers’ Punjab FC is determined to beat East Bengal and secure their place in the final. After completing preparations in their home city, the opposition camp arrived in Goa a few days ago. The Greek coach has prepared the team keeping East Bengal’s strengths and weaknesses in mind.

  • East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

    East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

    East Bengal Football Club did not have a great start to this year’s Super Cup. In their very first group-stage match, they were held to a draw by a comparatively weaker Dempo Sports Club. Sameer Naik’s boys put up an exceptional fight against the Red and Golds, surprising everyone. Because of that early setback, the Kolkata giants fell slightly behind in the group standings. However, after defeating Clifford Miranda’s Chennaiyin FC by a big margin in the second match, the Torch Brigade revived their chances of qualifying for the knockouts. In the final group game, they had to face their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

    Although that match ended in a draw after full time, East Bengal advanced to the semifinals thanks to goal difference. Naturally, supporters were quite pleased. After a long break, the semifinals are finally scheduled to be held tomorrow, where Oscar Bruzón’s side will face Panagiotis Dilmpeleris’ Punjab FC. Punjab had already stunned a strong team like Bengaluru FC earlier to secure their semifinal berth, so everyone knows this will be no easy contest.

    That is why players like Miguel Figuera and Anwar Ali had begun intense training weeks in advance. But just a few days before the semifinal, worrying news emerged—reliable defender Joy Gupta picked up an injury during practice. He was seen mostly on the sidelines afterward. Oscar is fully aware of how much Joy’s absence in such a crucial match could benefit the opposition, so he had already begun preparing alternative plans.

    According to various reports, if Joy Gupta is unable to play this match, Oscar Bruzón may turn to another Indian defender, Lalchungnunga, as his replacement. Additionally, Bengali footballer Prabhat Lakra is also being considered as an option. However, in Wednesday’s training session ahead of the semifinal, Joy Gupta looked quite lively. If everything goes well, East Bengal’s head coach might go ahead with his original plan and include him in the starting lineup.

  • Uncertainty Over ISL Worries FC Goa’s Borja Herrera

    Uncertainty Over ISL Worries FC Goa’s Borja Herrera

    Since the start of this season, there has been uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). Although the FSDL has been in charge of the country’s top-division league for the past ten years, they have been largely inactive this season. However, there were hopes that perhaps a new organization might take over the responsibility this time. Accordingly, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had initially set the deadline for submitting bids as November 5. Later, following multiple requests from different organizations, the federation’s tender committee extended the deadline to November 7.

    আইএসএল নিয়ে ধোঁয়াশা, আশঙ্কায় বোরহা হেরেরা

     

    It was expected that either the FSDL or some other organization might submit a bid, but that did not happen. As a result, the future of India’s top-division league currently remains in deep uncertainty. Notably, since last Friday, Mohun Bagan Super Giant announced that they would suspend team training indefinitely. Additionally, several other top-division clubs have become largely inactive in forming their squads, causing widespread concern.

    Amid this, Spanish star Borja Herrera has publicly expressed his concern on social media. Sharing several photos of himself playing in the FC Goa jersey, he wrote, “In the absence of the ISL (it seems the situation is getting worse every day), we are still enjoying the Champions League even after defeats.” His comments have drawn significant attention from fans.

    Recently, FC Goa played the second leg of the ACL 2 against Al Nassr, where they faced a heavy defeat against João Félix’s side. Despite limited resources, their fighting spirit caught the attention of football enthusiasts. Maintaining continuity in international tournaments, the team also aims to target the Super Cup victory under the guidance of Manolo Márquez.

     

  • In Deep Darkness of ISL, Explosive Statement by Souvik on Social Media!

    In Deep Darkness of ISL, Explosive Statement by Souvik on Social Media!

    The future of India’s top football league, the Indian Super League (ISL), remains uncertain. Although Friday was the last day to submit bids, no organization participated in the tender. As a result, the fate of the ISL now hangs on the federation’s decision.

    গভীর অন্ধকারে ISL, সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ায় ‘বিস্ফোরক’ লাল-হলুদ সৌভিক!

     

    According to an earlier announcement, the deadline for bid submission was set for November 5. However, following requests from multiple organizations, the federation’s tender committee extended the deadline to November 7. Many had hoped that FSDA or another organization might submit a bid, but with no activity on Friday either, widespread concern emerged. Consequently, there is now significant uncertainty about whether the Indian Super League will take place this year.

    In this situation, one of the country’s strongest football clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has decided to suspend team training indefinitely. Meanwhile, East Bengal’s president Debashish Dutta and secretary Srijanjoy Basu expressed their frustration over the ISL. The pressing question now is: will the ISL happen, and if so, when? Experts believe that if no organization takes responsibility by the end of November, it will be nearly impossible to start the league before late January or February. The federation’s next decision will determine the fate of India’s biggest football league.

    In the midst of this issue, East Bengal player and Bengali footballer Souvik Chakraborty shared his views on social media. He wrote: “The failure of the ISL bid is not just a business failure. For me, it reflects the deep-rooted problems in Indian football administration. This is not just about a league. When the top tier of Indian football is uncertain, it impacts everyone—from grassroots children to the national level. Behind every club and match are players, coaches, support staff, countless fans, and those who work quietly off the field to keep the game alive. Their dedicated efforts deserve clear direction, accountability, and faith in the system that asks them to give their all.

    What we need now is transparency, planning, and unity. Every participant, from players and professionals to fans and those working inside and outside the field, deserves a framework that values their love for the game and helps move football forward. I truly hope this issue is resolved as soon as possible—not just for the top level, but for the future of Indian football. For the love of Indian football.”

  • Mohun Bagan Suspends Senior Team Training Indefinitely Amid ISL Uncertainty

    Mohun Bagan Suspends Senior Team Training Indefinitely Amid ISL Uncertainty

    The future of India’s top football league, the Indian Super League (ISL), now hangs in uncertainty. On Friday, the final day for submitting bids, no organization including Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) participated in the tender. This has left all the league clubs in a state of uncertainty. Meanwhile, according to authorities, Mohun Bagan SG has indefinitely suspended senior team training.

    আইএসএলের অনিশ্চয়তার মধ্যে অনির্দিষ্টকালের জন্য ‘বনধ’ বাগানের অনুশীলন

     

    According to the club’s management, training has been put on hold until there is clarity regarding the league’s future. The club has informed its players that no preparatory activities will begin under the current circumstances. Although the players are currently on leave, the uncertainty has caused concern among fans.

    The federation’s tender committee had initially set November 5 as the deadline for bid submission. After several requests from organizations, it was extended to November 7. While there was hope that FSDL or another organization might submit a bid at the last moment, no interest was shown by Friday.

    Sources revealed that FSDL had sent nearly 200 questions to the federation before submitting a bid. However, due to disagreements over financial obligations and relegation procedures, no final resolution was reached. In particular, the annual payment condition of ₹37.5 crore and the mandatory “championship and relegation” clause created complications between the two parties.

    Fans have grown increasingly concerned about Mohun Bagan’s decision. Although the players are on leave, the suspension of training has heightened anxiety among the green-and-maroon supporters. Some players, including Jamie MacLaren and Jason Cummings, have gone on personal trips.

    The uncertainty surrounding the ISL and Mohun Bagan’s suspension of training has cast a shadow over Indian football fans. Football enthusiasts are now waiting for clarity from the federation and hope for a definitive decision on the league’s future.