GOAT Tour 2025: Lionel Messi Creates Magic in Delhi
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Dec 15, 2025
- 548
Football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Delhi on Monday as part of his much-celebrated “GOAT Tour to India 2025,” after visiting Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. An event held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium turned into a historic spectacle as thousands of fans packed the venue to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend.
Messi appeared visibly moved by the overwhelming love from Indian fans. Accompanying him were Argentina star Rodrigo de Paul and Uruguayan football legend Luis Suarez, adding further star power to the occasion.
During the event, Messi met ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley. Jay Shah presented Messi with the Indian cricket team’s iconic No. 10 jersey, while Luis Suarez received the No. 9 jersey and Rodrigo de Paul was presented with the No. 7 jersey.
Adding a unique cricketing touch, Jay Shah also gifted Messi a cricket bat signed by Indian cricketers. Messi was formally invited to attend the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and was presented tickets for the India vs USA match, making the moment even more memorable.
Expressing his gratitude, Messi said,
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and affection we received in India. It was a truly unique experience. Though the tour was short and busy, the love we received was unforgettable.”
He further added that while he knew about his popularity in India, experiencing it firsthand was extraordinary, and promised to return to the country in the future, possibly for a match or another special occasion.
The highlight of the evening came when Messi played football with young academy players on the field, spreading joy across the stadium. The youngsters, believed to be from Minerva Academy, shared the pitch with their idol, while Suarez and De Paul cheered from the sidelines. Messi later posed for photographs with the young talents, creating lifelong memories.