Football icon Lionel Messi concluded his high-profile visit to India on Monday with a memorable lap of honour in New Delhi, delighting thousands of fans who packed the Arun Jaitley Stadium to catch a glimpse of the global superstar.
The 38-year-old Argentine legend was greeted by roaring chants and waving flags as fans, many dressed in Argentina jerseys, filled the cricket venue to near capacity. Expressing his gratitude, Messi thanked supporters for their enthusiasm and affection, saying the love he received was overwhelming and promising that he would “definitely be back.
Wearing a pink jersey and black trousers, Messi interacted warmly with the crowd, kicking footballs into the stands and posing for selfies with fans and delegates. He also played football with children on the field before being presented with a T20 World Cup ticket and an Indian jersey by International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah.
Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia joined Messi on stage, where the Argentine star signed jerseys for Bhutia and his family, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Despite India being a cricket powerhouse and currently ranked 142nd in FIFA rankings, the turnout highlighted the immense popularity of football’s biggest name in the country of 1.4 billion people.
The New Delhi event marked a smooth finale to Messi’s India tour after a chaotic start in Kolkata on Saturday, where fans vandalised a stadium following his brief appearance. Heavy security and limited access had left many frustrated, with some supporters breaking barricades after paying high ticket prices.
In contrast, fans in New Delhi braved hazardous air pollution to see their hero. “I have been watching Messi since my childhood. I’m very excited to see him,” said 29-year-old fan Sumesh Raina. On the same day, pollution levels in parts of the capital reached more than 300 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre, far exceeding World Health Organization guidelines.
Despite the toxic air, Messi appeared unfazed, remaining energetic throughout his 35-minute stay at the stadium. His India visit, part of the so-called GOAT Tour alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, also included stops in Hyderabad and Mumbai, where he met cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Indian football star Sunil Chhetri.
Messi arrives in India fresh off winning his second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player award after leading Inter Miami to the league title. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward is now set to captain Argentina as they defend their World Cup crown in June-July in North America.
