Lionel Messi’s final stop on his GOAT India Tour turned New Delhi into a sea of cheers on Monday as the Argentine superstar brought football fever to the capital for a short but memorable performance.
After a weather delay earlier in the day, Messi arrived in Delhi in the afternoon and checked into the Leela Palace Hotel before heading to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. By then the anticipation had peaked, with thousands of fans packing the hall in Argentina jerseys and banners, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
Waiting for the GOAT
The evening started with a friendly match between Celebrity Messi All Stars and Minerva Messi All Stars, but the football on display soon faded into the background of the noise in the stands. The Minerva Academy youngsters made their own statement on the pitch, running riot with a dominant 6-0 win over the celebrity side, turning the friendly into a one-sided display of youthful energy and skill.
However, all eyes remained fixed on the tunnel. When Messi finally departed alongside Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paulo, the stadium erupted into a deafening roar as fans welcomed the World Cup winner on his final stop in India.
Moments on and off the pitch
Messi’s time on the pitch was short but full of smiles. He joined the youngsters to relax, pose for photographs, exchange laughs with Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul and kick soccer balls into the stands as souvenirs for lucky fans. He also spent time with the young Minerva Academy players and met former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who was among the dignitaries present at the stadium.
Messi met ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley off the field. Shah presented the Indian cricket team jerseys and a special signed bat and also presented Messi with a ticket to the upcoming FIFA T20 World Cup, marking a symbolic transition between football and cricket during the visit.
A heartfelt farewell
Before leaving the stadium, Messi addressed the crowd and thanked the Indian fans for the overwhelming affection he received during his visit.
“Thank you for all the affection you have shown us here in India these days. It was truly a unique experience for us to share,” Messi said. “Even though it was intense and very short, it was amazing to receive all the love I already knew was there, but to experience it firsthand was incredible. Everything you did for us these days was amazing, pure madness.”
Messi expressed hope that he would return, adding: “So thank you all for the love and we will definitely come back sometime – maybe to play a match or on another occasion – but we will definitely visit again.”
“Thank you very much, thank you,” he concluded as the crowd responded with a final roar.
Messi’s performance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium lasted barely 30 minutes, probably due to travel delays, but it was enough to keep fans smiling and the capital buzzing as the GOAT India Tour drew to a memorable end.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
December 15, 2025
