Football legend Lionel Messi has wrapped up his highly anticipated tour of India with a memorable event in New Delhi. The Argentine superstar concluded his brief but impactful visit on December 15, leaving Indian fans with promises of a potential return.
Emotional Farewell at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Addressing a packed Arun Jaitley Stadium, Messi expressed heartfelt appreciation for the enthusiastic reception throughout his multi-city tour. The iconic player hinted at coming back to compete before Indian supporters in the future.
“I want to thank everyone for the incredible affection shown during our time in India,” Messi stated in Spanish. “Experiencing this love directly was truly amazing – we’ll carry these memories with us and definitely return, hopefully to play a match.”
Highlights of the GOAT Tour
The whirlwind tour saw Messi visit Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi in just days. Branded the GOAT Tour, it featured both public appearances and private engagements. Massive crowds gathered at every stop to catch glimpses of football’s most decorated player.
Messi acknowledged knowing about his Indian fanbase beforehand but described the firsthand experience as overwhelming. “The passion shown was incredible – everything felt wonderfully intense,” he remarked.
Tour Companions and Special Moments
Throughout the tour, Messi was accompanied by Argentine teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Delhi’s crowd maintained high spirits despite delays, greeting the trio with thunderous applause and chants.
A special moment occurred when ICC president Jay Shah presented Messi with a ticket for the India vs USA match at the 2026 T20 World Cup during the stadium event.
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