The meeting happened during the virtual unveiling of Messi’s massive 70-foot statue at the Shree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, South Dum Dum. Shah Rukh Khan attended the event with his son AbRam, while Uruguayan football star Luis Suárez was also present.

The iron statue shows Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and was installed as a tribute to his legendary football career. The event brought together two worlds, football and cinema, on one stage.

Earlier, Messi arrived at Salt Lake Stadium, where thousands of fans gathered to welcome him. The situation turned tense when some spectators threw plastic water bottles onto the field, forcing security to end his appearance early for safety reasons.

No one was injured, but the incident raised concerns about crowd control at large events. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later expressed regret and admitted that event arrangements could have been better.

The mood changed during the statue ceremony, where Messi and Shah Rukh Khan were seen warmly interacting. Photos and videos of the two icons quickly went viral, exciting fans across the world.

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Through the organisers, Messi thanked the people of Kolkata for their love and support. He said he felt honoured by the affection shown to him and the Argentine football team.

Despite some logistical problems, Messi’s meeting with Shah Rukh Khan and the statue unveiling became the most memorable moments of his Kolkata visit, leaving fans with a powerful image of sport and cinema united.