Argentine football legend Lionel Messi arrived in New Delhi on Monday afternoon for the final stop of his G.O.A.T. Tour after a weather-related delay postponed his flight.
Messi was scheduled to land in the national capital earlier in the day, but his charter flight was delayed due to foggy conditions. He proceeded directly to The Leela Palace Hotel, where he is scheduled to attend a meet-and-greet session for around an hour with a select group of people.
Messi’s schedule in the national capital includes an exhibition match, a stage event, a football clinic for children and several high-profile private meetings. In view of his visit, authorities in Delhi have put precautionary measures in place to manage large crowds and traffic congestion.
The Argentine star was in Mumbai on Sunday evening, where he interacted with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, current and former Indian footballers, film stars, celebrities and politicians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Mumbai was the third stop on his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. The 2022 World Cup winner spent the most time with fans there after making a brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and a slightly longer stay at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.
Messi’s G.O.A.T Tour began on a chaotic note, with organisers failing to manage crowds at the Salt Lake Stadium. Thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the football icon as he visited the city along with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, but the excitement turned into frustration due to poor crowd management.
He later arrived in the Telangana capital, where he participated in multiple photo opportunities, was seen kicking a ball with children and interacted informally with officials.
At the Uppal Stadium, Messi remained inside a VIP box and was seen waving at the camera, making a brief appearance on the big screen and on broadcast visuals as the match was in progress.
–IANS
