Argentine football legend Lionel Messi left Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav visibly starstruck during a promotional photoshoot organized by Adidas India on December 17, 2025. The encounter formed part of Messi's high-profile 'GOAT Tour' across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Viral videos captured Yadav's awestruck expression while posing alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, highlighting the cross-sport admiration. The event also featured para-athletes Sumit Antil and Nishad Kumar, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and women's cricketer Renuka Thakur. Antil presented Messi with a signed javelin, while Nishad received autographed spikes from the footballer. De Paul joined the interactions, adding to the multi-sport gathering celebrating athletic excellence.
The photoshoot underscored Messi's appeal transcending football, drawing India's sporting icons for collaborative moments. Kuldeep, known for his wrist-spin wizardry, appeared overwhelmed in clips, grinning widely during handshakes and poses. Similar fan-like reactions emerged from other participants, reflecting Messi's global stature. The Adidas initiative aimed to bridge football and Indian sports, leveraging Messi's visit for brand visibility.
Messi's tour, while generating immense enthusiasm, faced controversy in Kolkata due to organizational lapses at Salt Lake Stadium, leading to fan unrest, vandalism, and the arrest of an organizer who promised refunds. In Mumbai, he met cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar and football veteran Sunil Chhetri. Delhi highlights included meetings with Bhaichung Bhutia, felicitation by Chief Minister Rekha Yadav, and ICC chief Jay Shah gifting a framed bat. Messi, Suarez, and De Paul received customized Indian cricket team jerseys.
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During a New Delhi speech, Messi expressed gratitude for the overwhelming affection, describing the short but intense trip as "wonderful" and "crazy." He acknowledged knowing India's love for him but experiencing it firsthand as "amazing," promising a return—potentially for a match. The tour reinforced Messi's iconic status while showcasing India's passion for global sports stars.
This interaction adds to memorable crossover moments in Indian sports history, blending cricket's dominance with football's universal appeal. Videos of Kuldeep's reaction quickly went viral, delighting fans across disciplines. Messi's gracious engagements left lasting impressions on participants and audiences alike. The promotional synergy highlighted shared themes of perseverance and excellence among elite athletes. As Messi departed, his pledge to revisit fueled anticipation for future connections between Argentine football and Indian sporting culture.
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