Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan makes statement on Lionel Messi visiting Kolkata for GOAT tour

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has confirmed that he will be in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, to share the stage with Lionel Messi. The Argentine is arriving in the country late on Friday, December 12, ahead of his GOAT tour in four prominent cities.

Shah Rukh Khan, a co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team, is a regular in the city for IPL matches. He posted a cheeky wordplay post on X (formerly Twitter) and said:

"This time round not planning my Knight in Kolkata…. and hoping the day Ride is completely 'Messi'. See you guys on the 13th at the Salt Lake Stadium."

It was not the first time he posted about Messi, as he previously made a comment about the Argentine in 2022, refusing to compare the Argentine to Cristiano Ronaldo and said:

"Just as advice don't keep finding better. ... it destroys the good!"

Messi has previously been in India and said that the country left a good impression on him. After a visit in 2011, he told the meida in 2016 (via The Hindu):

“The last time I stepped into India, I was overwhelmed with the warmth and passion this country showered on me. India left its famously lasting impression and with that lingering memory, my family and I have always wanted to develop an association with the country."

Lionel Messi is set to land in Kolkata before heading for Hyderabad on the same day. He also has events in Mumbai and New Delhi before leaving the country.

Lionel Messi arrives in India after sealing MLS glory

Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami win their first-ever MLS Cup earlier this month, after playing a key role in the win over Vancouver Whitecaps. The Argentine got two assists in the final and posted a message on Instagram after the game:

"WE ARE MLS CHAMPIONS!!! 🏆🙌😃 Ever since I arrived in Miami I dreamed about this day. Gradually, we were growing, improving, and building something special until we reached this championship." "Thanks to my family and all the fans for the support, to the whole team, the staff and the management of Inter Miami CF for the ambition and the work they put in. And thank you Busi and Jordi for joining me on this adventure and closing it in the best way possible. It also makes me very happy to share this with you."

Lionel Messi signed a new deal at Inter Miami earlier this year, keeping him at the club until 2028.

Edited by Sripad