Kolkata, 13 December (H.S.):

Kolkata witnessed a memorable moment on Saturday when international football superstar Lionel Messi came face to face with Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan. Ahead of an event scheduled at the iconic Yuvabharati Krirangan, the two global icons met at a hotel adjacent to the stadium, creating widespread excitement among fans.

During the meeting, Messi greeted Shah Rukh Khan with a warm smile and extended a friendly handshake. He also affectionately welcomed Shah Rukh’s young son, Abram Khan, and spent a few moments interacting with him. The trio later posed for photographs, capturing a rare and cherished moment blending the worlds of sports and cinema.

Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata late Friday night around 2:30 am, accompanied by his long-time teammate and close friend Luis Suárez, along with Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. After landing at the airport, Messi headed straight to his hotel. Shah Rukh Khan arrived in the city early Saturday morning with his son and soon after proceeded to the hotel to meet the football legend.

The interaction was facilitated by the event’s chief organiser, Shatadru Dutta. During the brief exchange, Messi warmly welcomed Shah Rukh Khan, and the two shared a cordial conversation. Photographs from the meeting featured Messi and Shah Rukh Khan with Suárez standing between them, while De Paul was also seen in the frame. West Bengal’s Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose was present during the meeting as well.

Notably, Lionel Messi has returned to Kolkata after a gap of nearly 14 years. His visit has generated tremendous enthusiasm across the city, with fans gathering in large numbers from the airport to the hotel and around the event venue. The meeting between Shah Rukh Khan and Messi brought together two of the most influential personalities from global sport and entertainment, a moment that fans are likely to remember for years to come.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh