Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is concluding his highly anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 in the national capital on December 15, with a packed schedule centred around Arun Jaitley Stadium. After successful stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai—highlighted by iconic moments like meeting Sachin Tendulkar—the Delhi leg features a celebrity football match, a football clinic for young talents, felicitations, and cultural performances from 1:30 p.m. onwards, amid tight security and traffic restrictions in central Delhi.
Messi's flight from Mumbai experienced delays, pushing his expected arrival to around 2 p.m., where he will head directly to the stadium following a brief hotel stop. The programme includes a celebrity exhibition match, interactions with scouted youth players, and a stage ceremony, with potential appearances by Indian cricketers and other sporting stars. An Adidas-sponsored event at Purana Qila is also planned for later in the afternoon.
A widely anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been called off, as the PM embarked on an official visit to Jordan on the same day. Reports of engagements with other dignitaries, including the Chief Justice of India, remain unconfirmed in the revised itinerary.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Ignites India With Celebrity Matches, Clinics and Unprecedented Fan Celebrations
The event has drawn massive crowds despite Delhi's severe air pollution, with AQI levels hovering in hazardous categories. Authorities deployed enhanced security following organisational issues in earlier legs, ensuring smoother proceedings similar to the well-received Mumbai event.
Fans have packed the stadium, eager for glimpses of the World Cup winner, with live coverage available on select platforms. The tour's finale blends football promotion with celebrity crossovers, leaving a lasting impact on India's sports landscape.
As Messi prepares to depart around 8 p.m., the day caps a whirlwind visit that has bridged cricket and football cultures, inspiring young athletes and thrilling millions across the country.
Also Read: Couple Cancels Honeymoon After Learning Lionel Messi Will Visit Kolkata for Exhibition Match