Overview
- The Argentina captain touched down at 2:26 am to throngs of supporters at Kolkata’s airport before being escorted through a VIP exit and driven by convoy to his hotel.
- Large police deployments and barricades managed crowds at the airport, hotel and venues as many late-night fans were unable to catch a glimpse of the star.
- Messi arrived with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul for a packed Kolkata programme featuring a sponsor meet-and-greet and a Salt Lake Stadium tribute and exhibition expected to draw more than 70,000 people.
- Police did not permit an on-site ceremony for a 70-foot statue in Lake Town, prompting a virtual unveiling from Messi’s hotel.
- The tour continues to Hyderabad later today, then Mumbai on Sunday, and concludes in New Delhi on Monday with a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the West Bengal governor has sought a report on ticketing and fan access after complaints.