Lionel Messi Delhi visit Today highlights: Argentine football star Lionel Messi arrived in the national capital on Monday as part of his Delhi visit. His meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was cancelled. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium is gearing up to welcome the football icon on Monday, with arrangements going on for the last leg of his India trip.
Earlier, he had reached Mumbai to meet his fans in the maximum city.
The trio played football with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and also enjoyed a light-hearted kickabout with younger players. They later met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, following which Messi was felicitated. Before leaving, Messi, Suarez and de Paul addressed the fans in Hyderabad, thanking them for the warmth and affection shown to them.
Hyderabad leg concludes
The Hyderabad event ended on a high note, in sharp contrast to the scenes witnessed earlier in the day in Kolkata. The Kolkata leg of the G.O.A.T. India Tour descended into chaos as fans, who had paid hefty sums for tickets at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, were left frustrated after getting little to no glimpse of the football icon. Angry spectators began throwing bottles and chairs and attempted to break the gates, forcing Messi to be whisked away amid the unrest. The main event organiser, Satadru Dutta, was later arrested in connection with the incident.
Angry Lionel Messi fans hurled chairs and bottles onto the ground at the Salt Lake Stadium after the Argentine superstar’s brief appearance sparked frustration among spectators. Many fans, who had paid between Rs 3,800 and Rs 11,800 for tickets, were left disappointed after getting only a fleeting glimpse of the football icon.
Lionel Messi unveiled his 70-foot statue in Kolkata on Saturday as his much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India kicked off. Earlier in the day, Messi met Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjiv Goenka, among others. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner is set to take part in several activities in Kolkata before leaving for Hyderabad later in the evening, marking the first leg of his three-day tour.
Messi made an early exit from the stadium, leaving soon after completing a half-lap around the ground. Many fans were left disappointed as tight security and a large entourage around the football star prevented several spectators from getting a clear glimpse of him. Amid the confusion, water bottles were seen being thrown inside the venue.
Messi GOAT India tour: Full schedule
Travelling alongside his Inter-Miami team mates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi landed in India earlier today. In que of today’s events, the Argentine legend will begin his India tour by attending a sponsor-only private India-Argentina fusion food fest.
The spread will include Argentine herbal tea infused with Assam flavours, alongside Bengali delicacies such as hilsa and a range of traditional sweets. Following the private food-fest, Messi is scheduled to do a virtual inauguration of his world’s largest statue in India, that showcases him holding the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Messi gets team India Jersey
Lionel Messi was presented with a framed cricket bat by Jay Shah, which he received with a smile. The football icon was also gifted an Indian cricket team jersey bearing his trademark No. 10. His teammates were not left out either, with Luis Suárez receiving a jersey with No. 9 and Rodrigo De Paul being handed one with No. 7.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Adhikari questions arrests after stadium chaos
Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal and Nandigram MLA Suvendu Adhikari on Monday criticised the arrest of spectators following the chaos at Yuva Bharati Stadium during Lionel Messi’s appearance, alleging police excesses and political shielding of ministers. He said he had moved the Calcutta High Court seeking a stay on arrests and the FIR.
“Why are spectators being arrested? You have played with the emotions of the youth,” Adhikari said, adding, “Arresting people is a grave mistake.” He questioned why ministers Arup Biswas and Sujit Bose were not held accountable, alleging mismanagement, profiteering and an unfair probe.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Lionel Messi reaches New Delhi
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived in New Delhi on Monday, marking the final leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025, amid tight security arrangements. His Delhi visit followed successful events in Hyderabad and Mumbai, after an earlier stop in Kolkata that saw disorder outside the venue. Fans gathered in large numbers near the Arun Jaitley Stadium, chanting “Messi, Messi” and holding placards.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: What were we really trying to achieve? 'Uneasy' Bindra on Messi's G.O.A.T Tour
Olympic gold-winning former Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra on Monday criticised the manner in which Argentine football great Lionel Messi's tour of India has unfolded, saying he feels a "quiet sadness" seeing millions being spent for "moments of proximity photographs and fleeting access" to the legend.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Fans wait eagerly for Messi at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium
Fans gather outside Arun Jaitley Stadium waiting for the arrival of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.
“I am very excited and happy that Messi is coming to the country," said a fan.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Reason behind Messi's delayed arrival in Delhi
Lionel Messi has not reached Delhi yet because his charter flight from Mumbai was delayed because of poor weather and foggy conditions in the national capital. He was scheduled to land earlier on Monday for the final leg of his three-day India trip.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Justice Ashim Kumar Ray inspects Kolkata venue
Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, a retired Calcutta High Court judge who is leading the West Bengal government’s probe into the chaos during Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour event at Salt Lake Stadium, visited the venue on Sunday.
While speaking to the reporters, Justice Ray stated that he had only inspected the spot so far and had not reached any conclusion. “I have not formed any opinion, just I have visited the spot. I think this should not be done hurriedly. We will submit our report as soon as possible, “ he said as quoted by ANI.
A fan named Uddhav told ANI that he had been following Lionel Messi for the past 11 years and has tracked his journey closely. Calling the Argentine great the “G.O.AT.”, he stated that Messi is truly the greatest of all time.
Messi is likely to head straight to the Arun Jaitley Stadium after a short stoppage at his hotel. He left Mumbai behind schedule and is set to take off shortly, with his arrival in Delhi expected in the next few hours.
A series of programmes is lined up at the station, including a celebrity football match, after which Messi is scheduled to attend an Adidas event.
Lionel Messi Delhi visit Today LIVE: Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj on meeting Messi in Delhi
Lionel Messi is set to wrap up his GOAT India Tour 2025 in New Delhi on Monday. He is expected to take part in multiple programmes at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, including an interaction with footballers from Minerva Academy.
Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj told ANI that he is looking forward to meeting Messi, describing it as a “dream come true”. He also stated that it will be a rare chance to meet their idol.
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh stated that he was thrilled after meeting football icon Lionel Messi in Mumbai on Sunday. Sharing a post on X, Singh wrote, “What a day meeting with one and only G.O.A.T Lionel Messi. Thank you Rony Satadaru for making it happen. Great host CCI Mumbai & well done Mumbai Police. Great job done.”
https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/2000194704814505997
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Delhi police on high alert!
Delhi Police have tightened security across the main central areas of the national capital and have put traffic restrictions in place ahead of football superstar Lionel Messi’s arrival in the city. The Argentine great is set to participate in a programme at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, slated to take place from 1 pm to 4 pm. Messi’s tour started in Kolata, where an event witnessed chaotic scenes, prompting authorities to be extra vigilant for the Delhi stoppage.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Will Messi meet PM Modi today?
The Prime Minister had departed on a three-nation tour to Jordon, Ethiopia and Oman. As a result, PM Modi may not feature in the final list of dignitaries expected to meet the football icon, despite an earlier report suggesting that a meeting could happen before PM's departure.
Lionel Messi Delhi visit Today LIVE: Messi's Mumbai-Delhi flight delayed
Lionel Messi’s flight from Mumbai to Delhi has been delayed. The football icon was scheduled to board the Delhi-bound flight at 9:15 am.
Messi India GOAT Tour 2025, Day 3 LIVE: Day 3 Itenary
All the programmes are scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Gates will be open at 11:30 am, whereas media personnel have been asked to make entry through Gate No-6. As per the organisers, attendees must be seated before the programme starts at 2:30 PM.
The event will commence with welcome music at 2:30 pm, followed by a celebrity match at 2:50 pm. Messi is expected to participate in the celebrity match around 3:30 pm and a football clinic for 30 minutes at 3:45 pm. A stage ceremony is planned for 4:30 pm, which will also include the GOAT Cup exhibition match. The guest list for the event includes Virat Kohli. Later, a meeting with PM Narendra Modi, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief Justice of India is also scheduled to take place.
Lionel Messi Delhi visit Today LIVE: Multi layered security at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Delhi Police have put a layered security and traffic plan in place for football star Lionel Messi’s scheduled appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. The stadium and the surrounding areas will be covered through multiple security checks, with additional personnel supported by parliamentary forces. Access to the stadium and designated zones will be strictly controlled, and only pass holders will be allowed to make entry.
Messi Delhi visit today LIVE: Delhi Traffic issues advisory for today
Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the ‘Lionel Messi G.O.A.T India Tour -Delhi Leg” scheduled at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Ferozshah Kotla Ground) on December 15, 2025, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Read all the details here- Check routes to avoid
Messi Delhi visit today LIVE: All details about 'Project Mahadeva
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis stated on Sunday that the state’s football development programme, Project Mahadeva, is design to identify and groom promising young talent who could go on to represent India at the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Fadnavis mentioned that the programme is being launched under Maharashtra’s broader ‘Mission Olympic 2026’, which is focused on enhancing sporting performances and boosting the state’s medal count at national and international levels, as per a PTI report.
As part of the Project Mahadeva, 60 under 13 players -30 boys and 30 girls will be picked across Maharashtra. The selected ones will be given specialised coaching, structured training assistance and mentoring.
Messi Delhi visit today LIVE: When Lionel Messi and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met
Wankhede Stadium witnessed a rare crossover moment in Indian sport on Sunday as football superstar Lionel Messi and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met in a high-profile event in Mumbai.
Wankhede Stadium witnessed a rare crossover moment in Indian sport on Sunday as football superstar Lionel Messi and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar appeared together at a high-profile event in Mumbai.
Messi Delhi visit today LIVE: Delhi District Cricket Association Secretary Ashok Sharma on Messi's Delhi visit
DDCA Secretary Ashok Kumar stated that the police are enforcing tight security for Lionel Messi’s visit after the disorder experienced during the opening event in Kolkata. Messi is slated to wrap his India Tour 2025 in New Delhi on Monday and is expected to take part in several programmes at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Sharma also told ANI that entry to the main ground will be restricted to permit holders only. This measure has been taken to avoid a repeat of the Kolkata incident.
Football legend Lionel Messi arrives at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Argentine footballer Lionel Messi arrives at Wankhede Stadium
(Video Source: DD Sports) pic.twitter.com/C8APdFEcEu
— IANS (@ians_india) December 14, 2025
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: Messi arrives at the Wankhede Stadium
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has arrived at Wankhede Stadium during his G.O.A.T India Tour.
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: Actor Shilpa Shetty leaves after meeting Lionel Messi - Watch
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: Fans gather in large numbers ahead of Messi's arrival
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: Man reaches Mumbai from Hyderabad to take a glimpse of Messi
A fan named Abhinav awaits for football start in Mumbai and says, "I am here to see Messi. Actually, I was also in Hyderabad, but Hyderabad was announced later. I had already booked the tickets for Mumbai. I always wanted to see Messi... It's my dream to see him... I am very, very excited. I will cry if I see him. I am that excited."
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: Visuals from Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium where Messi will visit tomorrow
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: Messi reaches Brabourne Stadium
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi left from hotel and reached Brabourne Stadium ahead of scheduled G.O.A.T tour.
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: 'This should be an eye opener for all', says Bengal Guv on Kolkata stadium mess
On the chaos at Football star Lionel Messi's event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata yesterday, CV Ananda Bose said, "... I could also meet the committee which has been set up for this purpose, headed by the Retired Judge of the High Court, the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and others in the picture."
He said the panel is also having a detailed inspection. "This should be an eye-opener for all of us. This incident has brought untold shame to the football lovers everywhere, and in Kolkata. There should be a standard operating procedure for such congregation management in future. Because when a private party is allowed to commercialise sports and make money, the public should not be the sufferers. There are larger issues of administrative governance involved in that, and also the fundamental rights and the human rights of the people are involved in that. I see it from a larger perspective. My report after discussing with some of the victims will be submitted to the concerned authorities, and I do not want to reveal the content right now, but my report is almost ready. After the mark of this field visit, I will submit my report..." he added.
Messi Mumbai visit today LIVE: 'Excitement is extremely high', says fan outside Mumbai stadium
A fan, who has arrived to see Lionel Messi, said "The excitement to see Messi is extremely high. What happened in Kolkata was unfortunate, but in Hyderabad, the situation was managed well, saving India’s reputation."
Messi visit today LIVE: Bengal Guv arrives at Kolkata stadium where ruckus happened yesterday
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose arrives at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, a day after a ruckus that erupted post Argentine footballer Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T event.