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India’s devotion to global football stars is unmatched. From neighbourhood murals of global icons to streets decorated during major tournaments, the country’s engagement with the sport extends well beyond borders. Kolkata, a city with a deep-rooted football culture, has become a focal point of this excitement. The city is preparing to welcome Lionel Messi on December 12, ahead of his scheduled appearances across four cities as part of the GOAT India Tour, which will take place from December 13 to 15. The following day, an event titled Hola Messi will take place at Salt Lake’s Aikatan Club, adding to Kolkata’s build-up for the Argentine captain’s visit.
The Argentina Football Fan Club Kolkata has created a dedicated fan zone in Salt Lake designed to honour Messi’s career. The exterior structure has been modelled after his Miami residence, complete with a terrace, terracotta features and life-sized cutouts of Messi and his family, according to reports. Inside, organisers have set up a museum-style exhibit showcasing key milestones from his two decades in professional football.
The indoor installation features replicas of Messi’s major trophies, including La Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa América, the World Cup, the Ballon d’Or, and the Golden Boot. The ceiling features an array of 896 footballs, symbolising each official goal he has scored. A 200-metre LED wall will screen highlights from his most significant matches. A stylised “Messi throne” has also been placed on the stage as part of the exhibit. Entry to the fan zone is priced at INR 10, with organisers clarifying that the charge is intended solely for crowd management and visitor tracking.
The Hola Messi Fanzone has been developed by the father–son duo of Uttam and Pragnan Saha, who have led the Argentina Football Fan Club in Kolkata for years. Their aim was to create a consolidated space that documents Messi’s career and reflects the city’s longstanding association with Argentina’s football culture. The organisers say the initiative is intended as a tribute rather than a commercial event, and that the installations were designed to align with the expectations of local football supporters.
Open from December 9 to 13 between 10am and 10pm, the fan zone follows a structured schedule. Mornings include football debates, archival match screenings, and discussion sessions featuring senior fans who recount their experiences from earlier World Cups and historic games. Regulars from nearby tea stalls, who often engage in daily football conversations, have also joined the activities.
Evening hours attract larger crowds, with today marking the formal inauguration of the main showcase. Organisers expect a significant rise in visitors on December 12 and 13, as these dates coincide with Messi’s arrival in Kolkata and his engagements in the city.
According to reports, Messi is expected to arrive in Kolkata around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday and proceed to a hotel on the EM Bypass. Later in the morning, he will attend a sponsor-exclusive meet-and-greet event. The programme will feature an Argentine-Indian fusion menu, including mate infused with Assam tea, hilsa preparations and a selection of Bengali sweets.
Due to security concerns, his schedule has been revised. Messi was originally expected to unveil a 70-foot statue at a public event in Sreebhumi. Police advisories prompted a change in plan, and he will now inaugurate the statue virtually from his hotel.
Messi’s visit follows two earlier trips to the city by Diego Maradona, another Argentine legend with a substantial fanbase in Kolkata. Maradona’s first visit in 2008 drew an estimated 15,000 fans to the airport at midnight. During that two-day trip, he attended events at Salt Lake Stadium and Mohun Bagan, showcased his ball-control skills and participated in programmes linked to a proposed football academy.
He returned in 2017 for a charity match and a football workshop with schoolchildren in Barasat, again drawing large crowds. These past visits have contributed to Kolkata’s strong association with Argentina’s football heritage and provide context for the current enthusiasm surrounding Messi’s tour.
(With inputs from various sources)
1. What is the Hola Messi Fan Zone in Kolkata?
The Hola Messi Fan Zone is a fan-created tribute in Salt Lake, Kolkata, featuring a replica of Lionel Messi’s Miami home, a museum-style exhibit of trophies, LED match highlights, and symbolic installations celebrating his career.
2. Where is the fan zone located and what are the timings?
The fan zone is set up at Aikatan Club in Salt Lake and is open from December 9 to 13, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day.
3. How much is the entry fee for the Hola Messi Fan Zone?
Entry is priced at ₹10 per person, which organisers say is meant only for crowd control and tracking visitor numbers.
4. What can visitors see inside the Messi Fan Zone?
Visitors can explore replicas of Messi’s major trophies, an LED wall screening his iconic match moments, 896 footballs representing each official goal, life-sized cutouts, and a “Messi throne” installation.
5. Who created the Hola Messi Fan Zone?
The fan zone was developed by Uttam and Pragnan Saha, long-time Argentina supporters and leaders of the Argentina Football Fan Club Kolkata.
