Meanwhile, ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented Indian cricket team jerseys to Messi, Suarez and De Paul at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, marking a symbolic meeting of two of the country’s most popular sports. Messi also received a special autographed cricket bat from Shah
(From left) Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, footballers Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, and footballer Rodrigo De Paul at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Pic/PTI
Industrialist Anant Ambani is set to host Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, along with Luis Suarez and other members of the GOAT India Tour, at Vantara—the wildlife rescue and conservation centre in Jamnagar—during a one-night stop on Monday, news agency ANI reported.
Messi, Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul and other members of the tour will travel to Vantara after attending an event at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium earlier in the day. During the Delhi programme, Messi, Suarez and De Paul met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented Indian cricket team jerseys to Messi, Suarez and De Paul at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, marking a symbolic meeting of two of the country’s most popular sports. Messi also received a special autographed cricket bat from Shah, ANI reported.
Messi was presented with jersey number 10, Suarez with number 9 and De Paul with number 7, all personalised with their names. Shah also extended an invitation to Messi for the upcoming T20 World Cup, presenting him with tickets to the India vs USA match.
Messi’s appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium drew a huge response from fans, with the football icon entering the venue to loud cheers. He interacted with young footballers on the ground, kicked balls into the stands along with his teammates, and briefly played with youngsters present at the stadium, ANI reported.
The Delhi event marked the final leg of Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025, which included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
Mumbai had ealier visited Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata
Messi’s visit to Kolkata on Saturday saw massive crowds, though the event at Salt Lake Stadium witnessed disruptions after the football star exited early, leading to unrest among some fans. The Argentine World Cup winner had received a rousing welcome in the city, reflecting his immense popularity, particularly in West Bengal.
In contrast, Messi’s Hyderabad leg was marked by smoother proceedings, where he took part in a 7-a-side exhibition match alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and interacted with fans. He also met Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
In Mumbai, Messi, Suarez and De Paul were greeted with enthusiasm at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The event featured cultural performances, music by DJ Chetas and a friendly football match between Indian Stars and Mitra Stars, led by former India captain Sunil Chhetri.
Messi shared a special moment with Chhetri and presented him with a signed Argentina jersey. The evening concluded on a memorable note when former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar presented Messi with a Team India jersey, followed by photographs featuring Tendulkar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Messi and his teammates.
(With ANI inputs)
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