Delhi, India - Lionel Messi's highly anticipated visit to Delhi as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025 concluded on Monday, leaving fans in a frenzy. The Delhi leg followed events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, marking the end of the three-day whirlwind tour.
During a photo session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul was captured in a heartwarming moment, intervening to ensure a young fan could join the group photograph with Messi. In a video that quickly went viral, De Paul was seen gently pushing aside a security guard who was posing next to Messi, and motioning for the young boy to take his place. This thoughtful gesture resonated with fans, further solidifying De Paul's reputation as a supportive teammate and friend to Messi. Some fans jokingly consider De Paul to be Messi's bodyguard, as he is always by Messi's side during Argentina duty.
Messi's arrival in Delhi was delayed due to foggy conditions, with his charter flight landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport around 2:30 p.m.. He then proceeded to the Leela Palace Hotel for a meet-and-greet session with a select group of people. Later, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Messi, along with teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, took a lap of the venue, engaging with the 25,000 fans in attendance. The trio also conducted a football clinic for young players, participating in a dribbling session that created lasting memories for the children.
The event in Delhi included a felicitation of the Minerva Academy football team. Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley, and former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia, were present to welcome Messi. Jay Shah gifted Messi, De Paul, and Suarez jerseys of the Indian cricket team and a special framed bat.
The Delhi event was better managed compared to the chaotic scenes in Kolkata, where fans had thrown seats in the stadium. In Delhi, Messi was able to interact more freely with fans, a welcome change from the crowded environment in Kolkata.
Earlier in the tour, during the Mumbai leg, Messi met cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri expressed his excitement on social media, stating that "Sunil Chhetri the fan beat Sunil Chhetri the pro" in his eagerness to meet Messi.
The GOAT India Tour 2025, despite its initial challenges in Kolkata, concluded on a high note in Delhi, leaving Indian fans with unforgettable memories of the legendary footballer. Messi's presence and interactions with fans, along with De Paul's heartwarming gesture, highlighted the tour.
