Lionel Messi Gets Team India Jersey and Cricket Bat from Jay Shah in Delhi

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, reached New Delhi on Monday for the final leg of the GOAT India Tour. Despite a fog-related flight delay, Messi arrived at around 2:45 PM and was immediately greeted by cheering fans at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

During his Delhi visit, Messi was presented with a cricket bat and a Team India jersey by Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), symbolising the cross-sport camaraderie and India’s admiration for the global football icon. Messi also engaged in an interactive football clinic with young players, demonstrating his skills and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

The GOAT India Tour’s previous stops in Mumbai and Hyderabad saw Messi meet cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri, and numerous celebrities, captivating fans with on-field interactions, lap-of-honor rounds, and playful exchanges with Project Maha-Deva’s budding footballers.

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Messi, Suarez, and De Paul also took part in light-hearted fan engagement activities, including kicking footballs into the stands and interacting with children, creating memorable experiences for thousands of fans who had gathered despite chilly winter conditions.

Messi is being accommodated at the Taj Mahal Palace in New Delhi during his brief stay, with tight security and strict arrangements in place to ensure a smooth experience for both the visiting stars and local attendees. The final leg of the tour aims to strengthen India’s football culture and showcase Messi’s global influence in sports and youth development. Looking ahead, Messi’s visit highlights the growing synergy between football and cricket in India, and fans eagerly anticipate more such cross-sport celebrations as part of international sporting exchanges.

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