India, Dec. 13 -- Lionel Messi touched down in Kolkata at 2.26 am on Saturday, instantly setting off scenes of frenzy as fans flooded the airport, nearby streets and the Hyatt Regency hotel to welcome the Argentine icon. The arrival marked the beginning of Messi's whirlwind three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour, an itinerary packed with public appearances, football events and high-profile meetings.

Messi's Kolkata leg begins later on Saturday with a closed-door sponsors' meet before he heads to the Salt Lake Stadium, the centrepiece of the day's celebrations. Scheduled to arrive at the venue at 10.50 am, Messi will interact with players from the Mohun Bagan 'Messi' All Stars and Diamond Harbour 'Messi' All Stars, who will face off in a sp...