Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was honored at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented him with an invitational ticket to the T20 World Cup, an Indian cricket team jersey, and a bat autographed by legendary cricketers. Messi met with fans and played football with children.

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was given a grand felicitation at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday. The occasion became a unique example of the confluence of the worlds of football and cricket, when International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah himself presented Messi with a special invitational ticket for the T20 World Cup. At the felicitation ceremony, Messi was also presented with a special jersey of the Indian cricket team, which became a symbol of sportsmanship and harmony between the two countries. Apart from this, he was also gifted a bat which had autographs of many legendary cricketers, which reflects their respect for cricket.

#WATCH | ICC Chairman Jay Shah presents jerseys of the Indian Cricket team to star footballers Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta is also present.#GOATIndiaTour | #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/9fMyAgHwvk

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025

Grand reception and exchange of gifts

The stadium was buzzing with excitement even before Messi's arrival. As soon as he took the stage, the audience greeted him warmly. Jay Shah's gift of a T20 World Cup ticket was a testament to the respect sports legends have for each other, and the gift of an Indian cricket team jersey was a memorable moment for Messi, as it connected him to India's national game. The autographed bat, signed by several cricketing greats, became a priceless memento, serving as a bridge between football and cricket. This gift was not only a gift for Messi but also a profound respect from Indian sports fans. After the felicitation ceremony, Lionel Messi spent some memorable moments with his fans. He first waved to the thousands of fans present in the stadium.

VIDEO | Delhi: Argentine footballer Lionel Messi addresses the gathering at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/NGXVwNLaGf

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2025

Greeted them, causing the entire stadium to erupt in applause. He then, along with his teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez, tossed the football into the crowd, and one of Messi's kicks was so powerful that it reached the second floor of the stadium, surprising the spectators and proving his prowess. Messi also added to the joy of the atmosphere by playing football with children, bringing a wave of joy to the faces of the little ones. This moment became unforgettable for his fans, especially those who got the chance to play with their idol.

Travel hurdles and fans' wait

Messi's journey to Delhi wasn't easy. He was supposed to arrive in the national capital early in the morning, but his flight was grounded due to heavy fog in Delhi. Due to this unexpected delay, Messi had to wait for some time at Mumbai airport. He finally arrived in Delhi around 3 pm. Despite this delay, a huge crowd of fans gathered outside the stadium to catch a glimpse of Messi. The fans' enthusiasm remained unchanged even after waiting for hours, reflecting Messi's global popularity and the immense love that Indian fans have for him. This crowd was a testament to the fact that Messi is not just a player, but an emotion.

Messi's emotional message

At the conclusion of this memorable tour, Lionel Messi delivered an emotional message to his Indian fans. He said, "We are leaving here with a lot of love. We will come again, whether to play a match or for another occasion. But we will come, and thank you for all this love." Messi's words touched the hearts of Indian sports fans. His statement has raised hopes of his return to India in the future, whether for a sporting event or for any other occasion. This message reflects his respect for India and his gratitude for the love he has received here, which created a wave of joy among his fans.

Building bridges between sports

Messi's visit wasn't just a tribute, it was also a strong bridge between two great sports like football and cricket. The ICC Chairman honoring a football legend demonstrates that the spirit of the game transcends all boundaries. This event can help promote football in India and attract cricket fans to other sports as well. The presence of a global icon like Messi has certainly given a new direction to the sports culture in India, raising hopes for more such events in the future.

An Unforgettable Experience

Overall, Lionel Messi's visit to Delhi marked an unforgettable chapter in Indian sports history. From his arrival to his farewell message, every moment was filled with excitement and joy. The gifts presented by Jay Shah and Messi's interaction with the fans made the event even more special. This visit was not only a dream come true for Messi's fans, but also a positive sign for the future of sports in India, promoting cooperation and respect between different sports.

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