It was 2011 when the little boy from Rosario landed for the first time in India. Memories from 14 years ago are still fresh among the audience who got to see Messi for the first time. 14 years later, Messi is all set to visit India, and the mega pan-India event will kick off from Kolkata. Last time when Messi came to Kolkata, the Government of CPIM fell after 34 years, India won the World Cup after 28 years, and the arrival of the Modi government was yet to come. Ram Mandir was yet to be inaugurated, and Messi was yet to win a World Cup and was playing for Barcelona.
Lionel Messi's tour in Kolkata is not a new event; rather, it continues a long-standing tradition established in the city years ago. Almost every football legend who has visited India has made Kolkata their first stop.
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Kolkata, the house of football tradition
In 1977, Brazilian legend Pelé electrified Kolkata when he played an exhibition match with the New York Cosmos. Diego Maradona visited the city twice and was amazed by its deep passion for football. Germany’s World Cup-winning captain, Lothar Matthaus and legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn also experienced Kolkata’s unmatched fandom for football. Kahn even played his final professional match at a packed Salt Lake Stadium.
More recently, Emiliano Martinez received a hero’s welcome after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win. Messi himself played here in 2011, when Argentina faced Venezuela in a friendly international match. Messi’s return to Kolkata is not just nostalgic; it proves why Kolkata is acknowledged as the football hub of India.
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In 2011, Messi had Beef, chicken, potatoes, cereals, cheese, cold meat, bread, pasta, grilled meat salads and other vegetables on the platter. They had Spaghetti and fruit juice for breakfast, Followed by Beef Spaghetti, non-vegetarian items, and dessert for lunch.
Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2011
Last time, when the Argentine superstar arrived in Kolkata, hundreds of fans were left disappointed. Supporters and media waited through the night outside the airport, hoping for a glimpse of the Barcelona icon, yet Messi quietly exited through the VIP gate under heavy security.
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In 2011, ticket prices were set at Rs. 700, Rs. 1,000, Rs. 2,570, and Rs. 3,590. Additionally, there were 16 luxury boxes available, each priced at Rs. 7.5 lakh and capable of accommodating 15 people. There were also tickets available at prices ranging from Rs. 1,550 to Rs. 5,120.
