India, Dec. 13 -- Kolkata did not sleep on Friday night. As the December cold crept into the city, thousands of football-crazy supporters gathered outside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, counting down the hours for a moment many had dreamt of all their lives - the arrival of Lionel Messi.

When the Argentine legend's private jet touched down at 2.26 am on Saturday, the airport erupted. Gate 4 of international arrivals became a wall of sound as chants of "Messi! Messi!" pierced the night air. Argentina flags fluttered above heads, mobile phone flashlights sparkled like stars and drums thumped relentlessly as fans surged from gate to gate, hoping for even a second-long glimpse of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Childre...