Shah Rukh Khan Confirms He’ll Be “Completely Messi” for GOAT Tour
Two of the biggest names on the planet, Shah Rukh Khan and Lionel Messi, are about to cross paths in a way that’s making headlines everywhere. In a move that feels like a pop culture celestial event, Bollywood’s king, Shah Rukh Khan, has officially confirmed he’ll be making an appearance at Lionel Messi’s “GOAT Tour” in Kolkata. It’s the kind of crossover episode you dream about but never actually expect to happen.
Khan himself dropped the news on X (formerly Twitter), and he did it with the kind of charm only he can pull off. “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,” he posted. You have to appreciate the wordplay. It’s a classic SRK move—a little bit witty, a little bit of a humblebrag, and it sent fans into a complete frenzy. The “King of Bollywood” meeting the undisputed king of football? Yeah, that’s a big deal.
This whole spectacle is part of Messi’s highly anticipated GOAT Tour, which is barnstorming across India. The tour is a whirlwind four-city journey kicking off in Kolkata on December 13, then jetting off to Hyderabad on the same day. After that, it’s Mumbai on the 14th and wrapping up in Delhi on the 15th, where Messi is even slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It’s a tight schedule that would make anyone’s head spin, let alone a global superstar who just wants to enjoy some peace and quiet.
What Can Fans Expect from the Shah Rukh Khan and Messi Meetup?
Let’s be real, the main event here is seeing these two legends in the same frame. For years, Khan has been the face of the Kolkata Knight Riders, the city’s IPL team. His connection to Kolkata is deep, and he’s practically royalty there. So, when the city hosts another global icon like Messi, it’s only natural for Khan to be there to roll out the welcome mat.
The Kolkata leg of the tour is shaping up to be a full-blown festival. More than 70,000 fans are expected to cram into Salt Lake Stadium, which promises an electric atmosphere. But the fun doesn’t stop there. There are some… interesting plans on the agenda.
Apparently, a colossal 70-foot statue of Messi is set to be unveiled. Due to security concerns, which is a polite way of saying “to prevent absolute chaos,” Messi will unveil it virtually from his hotel room. Imagine being so famous you unveil your own giant statue from a distance. The statue was originally planned for an in-person reveal, but the Kolkata Police probably took one look at the potential crowd and said, “Absolutely not.”
A Fusion of Cultures and Some Unusual Tributes
The organizers are going all out to make Messi feel at home while giving him a taste of India. A special Argentine-Indian fusion food festival is planned, featuring Argentine herbal tea (mate) infused with Assam flavors. Because if there’s one thing the world needs, it’s tea fusion. There will also be a spread of Bengali fish delicacies, including the legendary hilsa, and local sweets. It’s a thoughtful gesture, but one has to wonder if Messi, a man with a famously strict diet, will actually partake.
In another slightly bizarre tribute, a 25×20-foot mural of Messi will also be presented. The plan is to place it at various Durga Puja pandal locations, allowing fans to paint on it and leave messages. It’s a sweet, interactive idea that will probably result in a chaotic but heartfelt piece of art being presented to a bewildered Messi at the stadium.
This tour isn’t just a victory lap for Messi; it’s a huge moment for Indian football fans. Having the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner on Indian soil, celebrated by a star as massive as Shah Rukh Khan, is a rare and exciting event. It’s a collision of sports and entertainment, and for one day in Kolkata, the worlds of Bollywood and football will revolve around two of its brightest stars. Let’s just hope the day is, as Khan put it, completely “Messi.”
