ICC Chairman Jay Shah introduced Indian cricket workforce jerseys to soccer superstars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul on the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, marking a symbolic assembly of two of India’s most liked sports activities, cricket and soccer.
Messi’s go to to the capital added one other memorable chapter to his GOAT India Tour 2025, as he additionally met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley. The Delhi leg marks the conclusion of Messi’s multi-city India tour, which additionally included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
A Particular Alternate of Sporting Icons
Throughout the interplay, Jay Shah introduced Messi, Suarez and De Paul with Indian cricket jerseys bearing their names and iconic numbers. Messi obtained no. 10, Suarez No. 9, and De Paul No. 7. Messi was additionally gifted a particular autographed cricket bat, creating a singular second that blended footballing greatness with India’s cricketing legacy.
Including to the event, Shah prolonged a proper invitation to Messi for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, presenting him with the primary ticket to the match. Messi was particularly given tickets for the India vs USA conflict, a considerate gesture contemplating his present membership commitments in the USA.
The most well liked ticket on the town – the ICC Males’s @T20WorldCup beginning Feb 7, 2026! Have you ever acquired yours but?
Soccer superstars Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul met ICC chairman Jay Shah on the Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/4yroZoBc0h— ICC (@ICC) December 15, 2025
Grand Reception at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Messi, together with Suarez and De Paul, entered the stadium to a deafening roar from followers. As seen in earlier legs of the tour, Messi delighted the gang with a lightweight kickabout alongside kids on the sector. The trio additionally took turns kicking footballs into the stands, with every second drawing louder cheers from the packed venue.
Messi’s India tour started in Kolkata, the place his arrival triggered large fan turnout throughout town. Nonetheless, the occasion at Salt Lake Stadium turned chaotic after Messi left early, resulting in unrest amongst followers who struggled to catch a glimpse of the soccer icon amid heavy VIP presence on the pitch.
In distinction, the Hyderabad leg proved to be a festivity. Messi participated in a 7-on-7 exhibition match, met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and interacted with Chief of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, all whereas soaking within the vibrant environment created by passionate supporters.
Electrical Celebrations at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium
Mumbai witnessed one other unforgettable spectacle on the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the place Messi, Suarez and De Paul have been greeted with an electrical environment. The occasion opened with fashionable music by DJ Chetas and colourful cultural performances earlier than a pleasant soccer match between Indian Stars and Mitra Stars, led by Indian soccer legend Sunil Chhetri.
Messi shared a particular second with Chhetri, presenting him with a signed Argentina jersey, and later thrilled followers by kicking footballs into the stands.
The Mumbai occasion concluded on a historic be aware as Sachin Tendulkar introduced Messi with a Group India jersey, adopted by iconic images that includes Tendulkar, Devendra Fadnavis, Messi and his teammates, a second that completely captured the spirit of sporting unity. With New Delhi as the ultimate cease, Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 ends as a landmark celebration of soccer, cricket and fan ardour throughout the nation.