LIVE UPDATES, Dec. 13 -- Football legend Lionel Messi set Kolkata ablaze on Day 1 of his much-anticipated GOAT Tour in India, unveiling a towering 70-foot statue of himself and sharing a high-profile meeting with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

The Argentine great virtually unveiled the massive statue at Sreebhumi, marking a historic moment for Indian football fans and underlining Kolkata's deep-rooted love for the beautiful game. The statue instantly became a landmark attraction, drawing massive crowds and global attention.

Messi meets SRK. Photo: India Today Channel Screenshot

Meanwhile, Salt Lake Stadium witnessed scenes of unprecedented excitement as thousands of fans queued up hours in advance. Chants of "Messi, Messi" echoed ...