Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 15: The national capital provided a fitting finale to Lionel Messi’s much-discussed GOAT India Tour 2025, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner headlined a grand celebration at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday evening. After a chaotic and controversial start in Kolkata, the Delhi leg delivered the spectacle fans had been eagerly waiting for.
Joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi was welcomed by a near-capacity crowd, with fans braving delays and long waits to witness football history unfold. The atmosphere in Delhi turned celebratory and emotional, as thousands caught a rare glimpse of one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, bringing the three-city tour to a smooth and memorable conclusion.
The day began with some uncertainty as Messi’s charter flight from Mumbai was delayed due to bad weather. Though his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport was pushed to the afternoon, the excitement around the stadium remained undiminished. Fans filled the stands hours before the event, many wearing Argentina jerseys emblazoned with the iconic No. 10.
Proceedings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium opened with a celebrity exhibition match between the Minerva Messi All Stars and a Celebrity All Stars team. The crowd noise surged dramatically when Messi, Suárez and De Paul emerged from the tunnel, with chants and phone lights transforming the venue into a sea of celebration.
Messi, accompanied by his teammates, took a lap of honour around the ground, smiling and waving to the crowd while kicking footballs into the stands, triggering frantic scenes among fans eager to take home a souvenir. Unlike the Kolkata leg, the controlled arrangements in Delhi allowed him to interact freely with spectators, enhancing the overall experience for nearly 25,000 attendees.
Addressing the crowd briefly in Spanish, Messi expressed his gratitude for the warmth shown by Indian fans. Though the words were not understood by all, the emotion resonated strongly, drawing loud cheers when he thanked Delhi and spoke of returning in the future.
The ceremony also saw Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ICC chairman Jay Shah felicitate Messi, Suárez and De Paul. Jay Shah presented the trio with tickets for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosted in India next year, along with customised Indian team jerseys. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia were also present.
Messi also took time to felicitate the Minerva Academy football team, highlighting the importance of grassroots development and inspiring young footballers across the country.
After an unsettled beginning in Kolkata, the Delhi finale ensured that the GOAT India Tour ended on a high. With a carefully curated programme and an adoring crowd, the capital delivered a send-off worthy of a global icon, leaving behind memories that Indian football fans are likely to cherish for years to come.