Lionel Messi’s visit to Delhi unfolded in two sharply different worlds , one public and loud, the other private and tightly controlled.
As the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour concluded in the capital, the Argentine footballer arrived from Mumbai earlier today along with longtime teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. Large crowds gathered when Messi visited Arun Jaitley Stadium, with fans lining up for hours in the hope of catching a glimpse of the football icon.
Videos and visuals from the stadium showed heavy security arrangements as supporters tried to get closer, highlighting the scale of Messi’s fan following in India.
Away from the public event, however, the tone of the visit changed completely.
A hotel vacated for privacy
Messi stayed at The Leela Palace in Delhi, which was fully vacated ahead of his arrival. According to people familiar with the arrangements, entire floors were sealed, access was restricted and staff movement was tightly regulated, effectively turning the luxury hotel into a high-security zone.
Located in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, the hotel is known for hosting visiting heads of state and global figures where discretion takes precedence over visibility.
Inside the Rs 11.88 lakh a night Presidential Suite
Messi is reportedly accommodated in the hotel’s Presidential Suite, a 4,800-square-foot residence inspired by India’s royal aesthetic. The suite was priced at around Rs 11.88 lakh per night, excluding taxes, according to NDTV. Internationally, the pricing often crosses $13,000 per night.
The Rs 1 crore meet-and-greet
Adding to the exclusivity of the visit is a closed-door meet-and-greet scheduled at the hotel for select corporate heads and VIP guests. As reported by NDTV, access to the brief interaction reportedly cost some corporates up to Rs 1 crore. The interaction allows no public entry, no media presence and no phones.
While fans thronged Arun Jaitley Stadium for a glimpse of Messi, the rest of his Delhi stay remained defined by tight control, limited access and high-value exclusivity.