Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour in Delhi: A Day of Football, Fun, and Fan Interactions

Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour in Delhi live updates:Hello, and a very warm welcome toNews18 CricketNext‘s live coverage of the third day of Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated tour of India. The Argentinian superstar’s caravan moves to the national capital, New Delhi, today, having been through huge events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Messi is set to arrive in Delhi on Sunday morning directly from Mumbai, with a packed itinerary highlighted by the GOAT Cup exhibition match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium around 1:30 pm, where gates open at 11:30 am and Minerva Academy’s U14/15 teams will compete in a 9v9 match in the likely presence of Virat Kohli. The visit also includes an expected private meet-and-greet later in the afternoon, with meetings scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, followed by interactions with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief Justice of India. General ticket prices for the sold-out event had ranged between Rs. 4,720 and Rs. 5,900. Messi’s India tour began in dramatic fashion as chaotic scenes in Kolkata forced his visit to Salt Lake Stadium to be cut short after frustrated fans failed to get a clear glimpse of him, leading to vandalism and unrest. However, the Argentine star ended Day 1 on a high by heading to Hyderabad, where he enjoyed a warm reception, interacted with supporters and took part in a friendly football session alongside fans and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, restoring the celebratory spirit of the tour. The second day in India unfolded on a celebratory note in Mumbai, where he spent an hour at a packed Wankhede Stadium, sharing the spotlight with Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri and other sporting and entertainment icons, interacting with young footballers, taking a lap of honour and delighting fans with chants echoing across the iconic venue. Messi’s packed Delhi schedule begins with his arrival at the airport at 10:45 AM, followed by check-in at the Leela Palace Hotel. The late morning and early afternoon are reserved for multiple meet-and-greet sessions, including interactions with fans and a joint appearance with Rodrigo De Paul, before Messi meets the Chief Justice of India, the Army Chief, the Argentina Ambassador and other senior officials. On the pitch, Messi embraced the occasion with a relaxed exhibition appearance, interacting with young players, exchanging passes, kicking balls into the stands and completing a memorable lap of honour. “Football is about joy, and today I felt that joy with the fans,” Messi remarked, summing up an evening that celebrated the sport beyond rivalries and results. By the time the event drew to a close, Wankhede had witnessed a rare crossover of global icons, ensuring Day 2 of the tour stood out as a highlight of Messi’s India visit. he evening became even more special when Messi shared the stage with Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri, bringing together legends from different sporting worlds. Reflecting on the moment, Messi called it a privilege to meet Tendulkar, saying, “I grew up watching him and knowing what he means to people here. To share this moment with him is very special.” The crowd responded with equal fervour, switching effortlessly between thunderous cheers for Messi and the familiar roar reserved for the Indian cricket great. Day 2 of Messi’s India tour unfolded in unforgettable fashion at a packed Wankhede Stadium, where the football icon enjoyed a rousing welcome from fans who turned the historic cricket venue into a sea of blue and white. Stepping onto the field with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul, Messi soaked in the atmosphere, later admitting he was overwhelmed by the reception. “I didn’t expect this kind of welcome. The love and warmth I’ve felt here is incredible,” Messi said, as chants of his name echoed across the stands. Messi’s India tour began on a chaotic note in Kolkata, where crowd trouble at Salt Lake Stadium forced his visit to be cut short, but the Argentine ended Day 1 positively in Hyderabad with a warm reception, fan interactions and a friendly football session alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.