Football legend Lionel Messi concluded his highly anticipated ‘GOAT Tour’ across India with a celebratory event at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, captivating thousands of devoted fans who braved severely hazardous air conditions to witness the iconic athlete. Despite the capital city’s air quality index reaching dangerous levels exceeding 300 micrograms of PM 2.5 particles—twenty times the WHO’s recommended maximum—the Argentine superstar maintained his characteristic enthusiasm throughout the 35-minute appearance.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward, dressed in a distinctive pink jersey and black trousers, electrified the nearly-packed cricket stadium by kicking footballs into the ecstatic crowd and generously posing for selfies with star-struck attendees. In a heartfelt address delivered in Spanish, Messi expressed his profound appreciation, stating: ‘It was beautiful to receive all the love and support. I knew it was there, but to receive it first-hand was amazing.’ He emphatically promised to return to India, a nation of 1.4 billion people where cricket traditionally dominates sporting culture.
The event proceeded smoothly under tight security arrangements, contrasting sharply with Saturday’s chaotic scene in Kolkata where frustrated fans vandalized the stadium after Messi’s abrupt departure. In New Delhi, organizers presented Messi with symbolic gifts including an Indian national team jersey and a T20 World Cup ticket from ICC chairman Jay Shah, highlighting the crossover appeal between football and cricket.
The tour’s significance extended beyond sports, occurring against the backdrop of India’s severe air pollution crisis. A recent Lancet Planetary Health study indicated approximately 3.8 million pollution-related deaths occurred nationwide between 2009-2019. Despite these environmental challenges, Messi’s visit included meaningful interactions with Indian sporting icons including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and football star Sunil Chhetri, while former national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia shared the stage with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
This Asian excursion follows Messi’s second consecutive MLS MVP award after leading Inter Miami to the league championship. The football icon now prepares to captain Argentina’s World Cup defense in North America this summer, continuing his extraordinary career that has captivated fans across continents and cultures.