The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour concluded on a high note in Delhi on Monday, transforming an event that began in chaotic fashion into an unforgettable celebration of football. Reported by NDTV.
In a brief but emotionally charged appearance at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, the global football icon left fans with lifelong memories and a heartfelt promise to return to India.
For once, football took centre stage at a venue usually associated with cricket, as thousands of devoted fans gathered to witness one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
The atmosphere reached a crescendo when Messi addressed the crowd, which included Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ICC chairman Jay Shah, former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, and several other dignitaries and celebrities.
“Well, I just want to thank everyone for the love and affection during these days in India. In fact, it was a truly beautiful experience for us to be able to share it,” Messi told the crowd.
Speaking in Spanish, Messi continued, even as fans hung on to every word despite the language barrier: “And although it was short and intense, it was wonderful to receive all this love that I knew existed, but receiving it directly was amazing. It was a crazy experience, everything they did for us these days.
“So, we carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return, hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion, but we will definitely return to visit India. Thank you very much.”
The emotional finale was a sharp contrast to the tour’s turbulent beginning in Kolkata, where logistical issues had marred the first stop at the Salt Lake Stadium. In Delhi, however, the event unfolded smoothly, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the moment.
Around 25,000 spectators packed the Kotla, many wearing Argentina’s iconic blue-and-white No. 10 jersey, chanting Messi’s name throughout the evening. Upon arrival, Messi took a lap of the ground with a smile, waving to the stands as a celebrity match wrapped up.
Joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, he occasionally kicked balls into the crowd as confetti rained down.
Messi later felicitated the Minerva Academy team and spent time playing football with children, posing for photographs and exchanging warm smiles.
During the ceremony, Jay Shah presented Messi with an Indian cricket team jersey bearing the No. 10, while Suarez and De Paul received No. 9 and No. 7 jerseys respectively.
Amid the celebrations, there was a brief moment of irony as Delhi’s Air Quality Index touched a hazardous 452 earlier in the day, prompting some spectators to chant “AQI, AQI” when the Chief Minister arrived.
Nevertheless, the evening remained dominated by football, emotion, and the enduring magic of Lionel Messi.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment