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New Delhi: Lionel Messi has sent a memorable gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The Argentine great, who is set to tour India later this year, gifted his signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey as a special gesture.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently playing for Inter Miami, wished the Prime Minister well in advance of his first meeting with him in December. This will also mark Messi’s return to India for the first time since 2011, when he featured in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
Confirming the development, sports entrepreneur Satadru Dutta, who is promoting Messi’s India tour, told IANS, “Messi has sent a signed jersey for PM Modi's 75th birthday. When he comes to India, we will try to arrange his meeting with the PM. He has wished well for the Indian fans and is happy to come to New Delhi and Mumbai for the first time and meet his fans there.”
Messi’s visit will take place from December 13 to 15. He will begin his trip in Kolkata on December 13, before moving to Mumbai on the following day. The Argentina legend will conclude his tour in New Delhi on December 15, where he is likely to meet the Prime Minister in person.
The forward is also scheduled to attend events at some of India’s most iconic sporting venues including the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. The trip is expected to draw massive crowds, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winner.
There could be more in store for Indian football supporters before December. According to the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the world champions are working on plans to play a friendly in Kerala this November during the FIFA international window. Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed the development, adding that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Kerala Football Association (KFA) are finalising the logistics.
If Messi is part of that squad, fans may get the rare chance to watch him in India twice in the space of two months. Though, for now, the signed World Cup jersey for PM Modi is Messi’s way of marking a historic milestone while also building anticipation for his much-awaited arrival on Indian soil.
