The Kolkata airport was waiting with bated breath for Lionel Messi around 9 days ago. They didn't get a glimpse of Messi at that time, but the subsequent chaos at Salt Lake Stadium has made the news for all the wrong reasons.
But on Sunday (December 21), Kolkata showed why the city is known for its unmatched love for football. Thousands of East Bengal supporters flocked to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to welcome the East Bengal Women's team, after their triumphant SAFF Championship campaign.
Fazila Ikwaput, Silky Devi were the scorers as the Red and Gold women beat Nepal's APF to become the inaugural SAFF Women's Club Championship. The East Bengal fans in the city and beyond celebrated after the girls' amazing show, and the entire
city was waiting for the lionesses to arrive.
At about 9 PM, the flight landed in Kolkata, and it all broke loose. Thousands of supporters were seen cheering, celebrating and welcoming the players at the airport as the Kolkata airport became a 'Lal-Holud' zone briefly.
'Joy East Bengal' chant was reverberating across the arrival gate of the airport, as East Bengal women's coach Anthony Andrews shared special moments with the fans along with the trophy, who serenaded the players and coaching staff with love, passion.
LOOK AT EAST BENGAL FAN CELEBRATION ❤️💛
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) December 21, 2025
- Totally Packed Kolkata Airport to welcome their team on winning the SAFF Women's Club Championship 2025!
UNREAL CRAZE & LOVE FOR FOOTBALL 🤩💥pic.twitter.com/76qv40pJ8v
A contrast to Lionel Messi debacle
It was a contrast to Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour 2025, which kicked off chaotically in Kolkata on December 13. Fans at Salt Lake Stadium rioted after his 20-minute appearance fell short of the promised 45 minutes, hurling ripped seats and invading the pitch. Tickets cost up to ₹12,000, sparking fury over poor organization and VIP access blocking views. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee apologized, ordering a probe and refunds, while event organizer Satadru Dutta was detained.
Kolkata shows its Love for Football, without the VIPs
On the D-day of Messi, Kolkata went into the stadium in numbers to show their love for Messi, but was came back largely disappointed, which led to unrest and vandalism. Alleged VIPs, political leaders were the eye of controversy as fans who paid tickets were denied.
Thankfully, the Kolkata airport had to VIPs or political leaders. Although the East Bengal Women's team and Lionel Messi can't be compared, even so, the fans present had a chance to savour the moment, without any interruption. Kolkata showcased its love for football yet again, as they have always done in the decades of past.
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