Lionel Messi Wraps Up His Memorable India Tour with Heartfelt Thanks
Messi's Heartfelt Gratitude to India
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, expressed his gratitude to India for the overwhelming love and support he received during his recent 'GOAT India Tour'. The tour, which generated significant buzz across the nation, concluded with a visit to Delhi on December 17, following stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Messi stated, "Namaste India! I had incredible experiences in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Thank you for the warm welcome, exceptional hospitality, and all the love shown throughout my visit. I hope for a bright future for football in India!"
Memorable Encounters and Special Gifts
During his final tour stop, Messi visited Jamnagar, Gujarat, where he explored Vantara, a wildlife conservation center established by Anant Ambani. In Delhi, ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented jerseys of the Indian cricket team to Messi and his fellow football stars, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The meeting between Messi and Shah was filled with warmth, as the ICC Chairman gifted them Indian cricket jerseys, symbolizing the unity of two beloved sports in India. Messi received jersey number 10, while Suarez and De Paul were given numbers 9 and 7, respectively. Shah also invited Messi to the upcoming T20 World Cup, presenting him with a ticket to the event.
A Roaring Reception and Exciting Matches
As Messi, Suarez, and De Paul entered the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the crowd erupted in cheers. Messi engaged with young fans, kicking footballs into the audience, which only heightened the excitement. However, the Kolkata leg of the tour faced challenges when fans, frustrated by the presence of VIPs obstructing their view, created chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium.
In contrast, Messi's time in Hyderabad was filled with joy as he participated in a 7-on-7 exhibition match with the state's Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, and enjoyed the enthusiastic support from the crowd. The Mumbai event at Wankhede Stadium was equally electrifying, featuring a friendly match between Indian Stars and Mitra Stars, with Messi sharing a memorable moment with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri.
A Historic Conclusion
The tour concluded on a high note when former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar presented Messi with a Team India jersey, capturing a moment that resonated with countless fans. The event was a celebration of both cricket and football, showcasing the deep connection between the two sports in India.