Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:LIONEL Messi’s GOAT Tour of India last week marked his triumphant return to the country after 14 years, blending football legend status with cultural immersion across four cities. Though his promotional odyssey began amid chaos in Kolkata, it ended on a high note in New Delhi.
On the first leg of his tour at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, crowd violence disrupted the planned events, with fans eager for their first glimpse of the football superstar. In Hyderabad and Mumbai, Messi headlined padel exhibitions and charity showcases at Wankhede Stadium, mingling with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri. Philanthropic fashion events and kickabouts with youth highlighted his global appeal.
Concluding on December 15 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national Capital, Messi met dignitaries, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ICC Chairman Jay Shah. He also felicitated Minerva Academy’s youth teams, addressed fans in Spanish – promising a future match – and called India “very special.”
The tour, post-Inter Miami’s MLS Cup win, fused sport, celebrity, and passion, leaving Indian fans buzzing despite early hiccups.