New Delhi: The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour, which began in chaotic fashion in Kolkata, concluded on a euphoric note in the national capital as the Argentine football legend promised to return to India after delivering unforgettable memories to fans in New Delhi on Monday.
For once, football took centre stage at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, where thousands of devoted supporters gathered to catch a glimpse of a player whose brilliance on the pitch has often defied human imagination. Though Messi spent barely 30 minutes on the field, the experience was enough to leave fans overwhelmed and emotional.
Messi Addresses Fans, Thanks India for the Love
Messi mania reached its peak when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took the microphone to address the roaring crowd, which included Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ICC chairman Jay Shah, and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, among other dignitaries.
Speaking in Spanish, Messi told the fans:
“I just want to thank everyone for the love and affection during these days in India. It was a truly beautiful experience for us to be able to share it.”
Though most in the crowd did not understand the language, the emotion transcended words. Messi continued:
“Although it was short and intense, it was wonderful to receive all this love that I knew existed, but receiving it directly was amazing. It was a crazy experience, everything they did for us these days.”
He concluded with a promise that brought the stadium to life:
“We carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return — hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion — but we will definitely return to visit India.”
From Chaos in Kolkata to Celebration in Delhi
The Delhi event provided the perfect ending to a tour that had stumbled at its first stop in Kolkata, where crowding and logistical chaos overshadowed Messi’s brief appearance at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
In contrast, the atmosphere at Kotla was festive and controlled, allowing fans and dignitaries alike to soak in the presence of one of the world’s most recognisable athletes.
A Lap of Honour and a Sea of Argentina Blue
Upon arrival, Messi smiled broadly as he took a lap of the ground, waving to fans while watching the celebrity exhibition match conclude. Spectators — many wearing the iconic blue-and-white Argentina No. 10 jersey — chanted his name continuously.
Alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi occasionally kicked footballs into the stands as confetti rained down. The stadium recorded an attendance of around 25,000.
Felicitations, Jerseys and Moments With Kids
Messi felicitated the Minerva Academy team and later shared light football moments with young players, posing for photographs, exchanging smiles and shaking hands.
During the ceremony:
- Jay Shah presented Messi with an Indian cricket team jersey bearing No. 10
- Luis Suarez received a No. 9 jersey
- Rodrigo De Paul was handed a No. 7 jersey
AQI Chants Amid Celebrations
Earlier in the day, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched an alarming 452, and when Chief Minister Rekha Gupta arrived at the stadium, some spectators were heard chanting “AQI, AQI” — a reminder of the city’s environmental concerns amid the celebrations.
Fans Travel Far for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment
For brothers Amog and Arnav Purohit, Monday was more than an event — it was a pilgrimage.
“For years, Messi lived on our screens,” Amog said. “Seeing him live, even briefly, was unreal. This was a dream come true.”
While they would have loved to see Messi play a full match, the fleeting nature of the visit did not dampen their joy.
Arnav flew in from Bengaluru just for the occasion. “For Messi, we can do anything,” he said. “There was no goal to celebrate, but there’s no regret — only satisfaction.”
Delayed Arrival Due to Weather
Earlier in the day, Messi arrived in Delhi after a significant delay. His charter flight from Mumbai, scheduled to land at 10:45 a.m., was held up due to foggy conditions in the capital.
He eventually landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport around 2:30 p.m. and proceeded directly to The Leela Palace Hotel, where he attended a private meet-and-greet before heading to the stadium.
A Short Visit, A Lasting Impact
Messi’s India visit may have been brief — too brief for fans who waited hours and travelled across states and countries — but it ended exactly how supporters hoped: with gratitude, humility and a promise to return.
For Indian football fans, it was not about goals or trophies. It was about witnessing greatness — even if only for 30 minutes.