Messi’s GOAT Tour: Visits Minerva Academy, Jay Shah Gifts World Cup Ticket in Delhi

Lionel Messi’s final stop on his G.O.A.T India Tour turned New Delhi into a cauldron of noise and celebration on Monday.

As the Argentine great brought football fever to the capital during a brief but unforgettable appearance.

After a weather-related delay earlier in the day, Messi arrived in Delhi in the afternoon, checked in at The Leela Palace Hotel, and later headed to the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where anticipation had reached fever pitch. Thousands of fans, many draped in Argentina jerseys and waving banners, packed the venue, creating a carnival-like atmosphere well before the superstar’s arrival.

Waiting for the GOAT

The evening began with a friendly match between Celebrity Messi All Stars and Minerva Messi All Stars, though the action on the pitch was soon overshadowed by the excitement in the stands. The Minerva Academy youngsters stole the spotlight with an emphatic 6–0 victory, turning the friendly into a one-sided display of youthful energy and skill.

Yet, all eyes remained fixed on the tunnel.

When Messi finally emerged alongside Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, the stadium erupted in a deafening roar as fans welcomed the World Cup-winning icon to his final Indian stop.

Moments on and off the pitch

Messi’s time on the field was short but memorable. He joined young players for light kickabouts, posed for photographs, shared laughs with Suárez and De Paul, and kicked footballs into the stands as souvenirs for lucky fans. He also interacted with Minerva Academy players and met former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who was among the dignitaries present.

Off the pitch, Messi met ICC chairman Jay Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and DDCA president Rohan Jaitley. Shah presented Messi with Indian cricket team jerseys, a special autographed bat, and a ticket to the upcoming T20 World Cup, symbolising a rare crossover between football and cricket during the visit.

A heartfelt farewell

Before leaving the stadium, Messi addressed the crowd and thanked Indian fans for the overwhelming affection he received.

“Thank you for all the affection you have shown us here in India over these days. Truly, it was a unique experience for us to be able to share this,” Messi said. “Although it was intense and very short, it was wonderful to receive all this love. Experiencing it firsthand was incredible — everything you did for us was astonishing, pure madness.”

Expressing hope of returning, he added, “We will surely return someday — perhaps to play a match or on some other occasion — but we will definitely visit again.”

Messi’s appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium lasted around 30 minutes, likely due to travel delays, but it was enough to leave fans smiling and the capital buzzing as the G.O.A.T India Tour came to a memorable close.