Mon Dec 15 14:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Messi Mania Grips Delhi as Argentina Legend Concludes India Tour
New Delhi: Football superstar Lionel Messi concluded his whirlwind “G.O.A.T. India Tour” in Delhi on Monday, leaving thousands of fans ecstatic after a brief but memorable appearance at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. Despite a delayed arrival and a limited 30-minute appearance, the World Cup winner charmed the crowd with his presence and promised a future return to India.
Following a chaotic start to the tour in Kolkata, the Delhi leg aimed to provide a more organized and fan-centric experience. The stadium was awash in a sea of Argentina’s iconic blue and white jerseys as fans chanted “Messi, Messi!” throughout the event.
Messi addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude for the warm reception he received in India. “I want to thank everyone for the love and affection I have received in India these days. It has been a very beautiful experience for us,” he said, his words resonating with the crowd despite the language barrier. “Even though it is a short visit, it is amazing to receive so much love. We will cherish all this love and we will definitely return, hopefully someday to play a match or on some other occasion.”
Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi took a lap of the stadium, playfully kicking balls into the stands. He also took time to interact with and honor the Minerva Academy team, posing for photos and playing a short game with the young footballers. In a symbolic gesture, Jay Shah, president of the ICC, presented Messi with an Indian cricket team jersey bearing his iconic number 10.
While the excitement surrounding Messi’s visit was palpable, some attendees raised concerns about Delhi’s severe air pollution, with “AQI, AQI” chants briefly audible upon Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s arrival, as the Air Quality Index reached a hazardous level of 452 on Monday morning.
Despite the challenges, for fans like Amog and Arnav Purohit, who traveled from afar, witnessing Messi in person was a dream come true. “It was a dream come true moment for us. We are still trying to absorb the moment,” said Amog.
The “G.O.A.T. India Tour” may have been brief, but it undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Indian football fans, who will cherish the memory of seeing their idol up close.
First Piper 