Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Dec 13: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has fuelled excitement among fans by arriving in Kolkata ahead of the much-anticipated meeting with football legend Lionel Messi. The actor reached the city early on Saturday, accompanied by his youngest son AbRam Khan and manager Pooja Dadlani.

Several videos circulating on social media showed Shah Rukh making a swift exit from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport under tight security. AbRam was seen walking alongside his father, with Shah Rukh holding his son’s hand as they headed out. The actor was dressed in jeans and a dark jacket, while AbRam opted for a relaxed all-black outfit.

Shah Rukh’s visit comes days after he hinted at sharing the stage with Messi at an event scheduled for December 13 at the Salt Lake Stadium. Teasing the meeting on X, the actor wrote that he was looking forward to a day that would be completely “Messi” in Kolkata.

Lionel Messi also arrived in the city early on Saturday as part of his three-day GOAT India Tour 2025, drawing massive crowds of fans at the airport. This marks Messi’s second visit to India, having earlier travelled to Kolkata in 2011 for a friendly match against Venezuela.

The football icon’s tour begins in Kolkata before he heads to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. During his visit, Messi is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before departing the country.