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New Delhi: Argentine football icon Lionel Messi recieved a rousing reception at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi after arriving in the national capital for his final stop of the GOAT 2025 tour. Messi arrived in Delhi late Monday afternoon after his charter flight from Mumbai was delayed due to foggy conditions.
After landing in Delhi, he, along with his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez, proceeded directly to The Leela Palace Hotel, where he reportedly attended a meet-and-greet session with a select group of people.
Upon arriving at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Messi clicked pictures with Minerva Academy players and members of the Messi All Stars team, who played an exhibition match.
The trio of Messi, De Paul and Suarez then conducted a football clinic for the young players and engaged in a dribbling session. Accompanied by his team and security officials, Messi also took a lap of the stadium and kicked the football into the euphoric stands.
The former Barcelona forward also met with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ICC president Jay Shah and former India footballers Bhaichung Bhutia and Aditi Chauhan.
Shah presented Messi with special gifts, including an India jersey, a signed cricket, and the T20 World Cup 2026 match ticket of the India vs USA game.
Following the interactions, Messi addressed the fans in Spanish and thanked them for the warm reception. He also promises to return in the future.
The three-day GOAT Tour began amidst chaotic scenes in Kolkata on Saturday, when fans inside the Salt Lake Stadium expressed their disappointment of being unable to get a glimpse of the football superstar by throwing bottles and ripping out the chairs inside the stadium.
The tour continued in Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which seamlessly hosted the event. Fans inside the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium enjoyed an engaging experience.
On Sunday, Messi visited Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and met the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri, among other celebrities. Legendary cricketer Tendulkar presented Messi with his No.10 India jersey, while Messi gifted his Argentina football shirt to both Tendulkar and Chhetri.
Following the whirlwind tour, Messi is set to leave Delhi for Miami, his current base, tonight.
