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Kolkata has long been a football-mad city, shaped by iconic clubs like Mohun Bagan, the fierce Mohun Bagan–East Bengal rivalry, and a deep love for global legends such as Pelé and Maradona. This passion has earned it the title of India’s “Mecca of Football.” Fittingly, the city is now set to honour another global icon: a 70-foot iron statue of Lionel Messi—created by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, South Dum Dum—showing him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. Final surface work is underway, and it is claimed to be the largest statue ever made of the Argentine superstar.
Kolkata’s vibrant football community is bursting with anticipation as the city counts down to the arrival of Argentine superstar on December 13. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will be joined by Uruguayan great Luis Suárez and Argentina’s midfield dynamo Rodrigo De Paul for a brief yet action-packed tour that promises to thrill fans across the city.
Preparations are in full swing for a hero’s welcome, with supporters expected to converge on Yuva Bharati in massive numbers in hopes of catching even a fleeting glimpse of the football icon. Excitement is at fever pitch, and Messi’s presence is poised to create memories the city will cherish for years.
A major highlight of the visit will be Messi’s inauguration of the 70-foot installation standing beside the iconic clock tower in Sribhumi. Constructed with advanced fibre technology, the monumental structure was brought to life by artist Monty Pal and a team of 30 craftsmen.
The unveiling ceremony is expected to draw huge crowds and media attention, with State Minister Sujit Basu expressing hopes that the statue will earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Across Kolkata, the celebrations are spilling into several neighbourhoods. In Salt Lake, the Argentina Football Fan Club Kolkata has recreated Messi’s Miami home, complete with a terracotta roof, terrace figurines, and life-size figures of Messi and his family gazing over the street.
The unveiling ceremony is expected to draw huge crowds and media attention, with State Minister Sujit Basu expressing hopes that the statue will earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Messi’s itinerary is packed, beginning with a sponsor-led event and followed by a special exhibition match between the Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Star and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Star teams. His visit will culminate in a ceremonial reception at Yuva Bharati.
In addition to these engagements, the football icon is expected to meet players from both sides and interact with a host of dignitaries, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Sourav Ganguly, and Leander Paes.
When is Lionel Messi arriving in Kolkata?
Messi is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on December 13, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul for a short but high-profile visit.
Why is Kolkata called the “Mecca of Football” in India?
Kolkata earned this title due to its long-standing football culture, historic clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, passionate fans, and iconic local rivalries that date back over a century.
What is the Kolkata Derby?
The Kolkata Derby is the highly anticipated football match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, attracting tens of thousands of fans and considered one of the most intense football rivalries in Asia.
How has Kolkata’s football culture influenced the city?
Football has become an integral part of Kolkata’s identity, inspiring street art, fan clubs, and citywide festivals, and nurturing generations of players and fans who live and breathe the sport.
