History was made at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday as Argentine football legend Lionel Messi made his much-awaited visit, drawing massive crowds and widespread admiration from fans in the national capital. Thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the global icon, and the event passed off smoothly, earning praise for the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) and the Delhi Police.
Fans expressed satisfaction with the seamless arrangements, citing disciplined crowd management and unobstructed views. Many also appreciated the absence of any VIP or political interference. “This was truly for the fans. Everything was well managed and peaceful,” said a college student. Another supporter added, “Hats off to DDCA and Delhi Police for maintaining such discipline and control.”
Towards the end of the event, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, ICC chairman Jay Shah, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met Messi. Jay Shah presented Messi with tickets for the India vs USA Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while Messi, along with Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez, was gifted a framed cricket bat and a Team India jersey.
Former India goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan also presented signed T-shirts to the trio, bringing the GOAT India Tour to a memorable close.
The smooth conduct of the Delhi event came in contrast to the chaos witnessed during Messi’s visit to Kolkata, which ended in unrest at the Salt Lake Stadium. Following the incident, local governments and police authorities in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi reportedly took greater control of security and logistical arrangements for the remaining legs of the tour.
On Saturday, reports emerged that one of the main organisers of the GOAT Tour was arrested by the Kolkata Police for alleged mismanagement. Messi’s Kolkata appearance descended into chaos after spectators, upset over limited access to the Argentine star despite purchasing tickets at what they described as exorbitant prices, vandalised parts of the stadium.
As the situation escalated, police resorted to a large-scale lathi charge and deployed personnel from the Rapid Action Force to restore order. Messi eventually left the venue earlier than scheduled.
-IANS
