Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona wrapped up his eagerly-awaited visit to India on Monday, dazzling fans in several cities. The sports icon started his Asian tour in Hyderabad, before charming the masses in Mumbai. He finished the tour in New Delhi, but not without dazzling tens of thousands of fans with his magical feet. Messi is in the middle of his “GOAT Tour.” He is LITERALLY joined by his Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo DePaul.
During his time in India, Messi had the opportunity to meet sporting legends such as cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Indian football star Sunil Chhetri. His interactions with these athletes highlighted the merging of sports cultures in the country, showcasing the deep admiration for sports figures across various disciplines.
A Grand Finale in New Delhi
Messi’s last event took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. He had a blast playing soccer with all the local kids during the field session. Decked out in a fuchsia jersey and black khakis, he bent down to speak to a group of eager youths. Beaming, he punted footballs into the stands and took selfies with exuberant fans.
As a gesture of cricketing spirit, Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) presented a T20 World Cup invitation to Messi. In addition to the bat, he presented him with an Indian jersey. This brief moment really cemented the significance of what Messi means for India. Today, cricket and football continue to flourish in close quarters—boasting two of the most popular national leagues in America.
“It was beautiful to receive all the love and support. I knew it was there, but to receive it first-hand was, well, amazing.” – Lionel Messi
The air quality in New Delhi was tough, with PM2.5 levels reaching over 300 micrograms per cubic meter. Nevertheless, Messi was unflappable, as always. His enthusiasm and commitment to connecting with fans shone through as he took a victory lap around the stadium, thanking supporters for their unwavering affection.
Meeting Sporting Greats
Messi’s visit to India allowed him to create lasting bonds with other sporting greats. In Hyderabad and Mumbai, he encountered Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri. This contentious meeting largely cemented the connection between football and cricket in the country. These gatherings further underscored Messi’s role as a global ambassador for sports.
Messi then personally signed Argentine jerseys for ex-Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia and his family. This simple gesture made Bhutia’s day—and life—and proved that Messi cares about his fans all around the world.
Recent Achievements
Messi’s inaugural tour has followed on the heels of great individual success in his career. Last week, he received his second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player award after leading the league in goals and helping Inter Miami secure the MLS title. He is looking forward to help Argentina during the next World Cup on this June-July on North America. This tour can’t help but celebrate his incredible journey in football.
