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Lionel Messi wrapped up his India appearance in Delhi with an emotional message to fans, reflecting on the warmth he received during a brief but memorable visit, as thousands gathered to celebrate the global football icon and his enduring influence.
Lionel Messi concludes his India visit in New Delhi.
New Delhi: The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour came to a memorable end in New Delhi as the Argentine superstar addressed an enthusiastic crowd and assured them that he would return to the country. The event at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium marked a rare occasion when football took centre stage at a venue usually associated with cricket, drawing passionate supporters from across the city and beyond.
Thousands of fans filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere rarely seen for a football related event in the capital. The gathering also included several prominent figures such as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ICC chairman Jay Shah and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia. Their presence highlighted the growing recognition of football and its icons in India.
Taking the microphone amid loud cheers, Lionel Messi thanked Indian fans for their affection and warmth. Speaking in Spanish, he expressed how meaningful it was to experience this love directly. Despite the language barrier, his words resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom responded with chants and applause throughout his speech.
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Messi described his time in India as brief yet intense, noting that the emotions and gestures from fans would stay with him. He acknowledged that he had always known about his popularity in the country, but witnessing it firsthand was overwhelming. He concluded his address by promising to return to India, possibly to play a match or simply to visit again, leaving supporters hopeful for a future appearance.
After arriving at the ground, Messi took a lap around the field with a smile, acknowledging the spectators who continuously chanted his name. Many fans wore the iconic Argentina jersey in blue and white with the number ten on the back. Confetti filled the air as Messi and his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul interacted with the crowd, occasionally kicking footballs into the stands.
During the programme, Messi felicitated the Minerva Academy team and later spent time playing football with children on the field. He posed for photographs, exchanged smiles and shared light moments, reflecting his humble approach off the pitch. Suarez and De Paul joined him in greeting the youngsters, adding to the sense of celebration and inclusivity.
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Jay Shah presented Messi with an Indian cricket team jersey bearing the number ten, symbolising respect between sporting cultures. Suarez received a number nine jersey, while De Paul was handed a number seven shirt. These gestures underlined the mutual admiration between Indian sport administrators and global football stars.
While the evening was largely festive, the day also saw concerns beyond sport. Delhi air quality levels were reported to be extremely high earlier in the day, and some spectators voiced their frustration humorously when the Chief Minister arrived. Despite this, the focus inside the stadium remained firmly on football and the rare chance to witness one of the greatest players of all time.
As the event concluded, fans departed with memories of seeing Lionel Messi up close and hearing his heartfelt promise to return. For many, the evening was more than just a spectacle, it was a celebration of football, global unity and the lasting bond between a legend and his admirers in India.
