Lionel Messi’s Emotional Message After His Tour at India
After days filled with ovations, Lionel Messi wrapped up his time in India with a message that left a lasting impression on thousands of fans.
An Emotional Ending to an Unforgettable Tour
Lionel Messi brought the GOAT Tour to a close after visiting several cities across India between December 13 and 15, and he did so with a heartfelt message of gratitude. Through his official Instagram account, the Inter Miami captain shared a highlight video from the trip and dedicated a few words to the thousands of fans who followed him at every stop.
“Incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Thank you for the hospitality and all the love. I hope football has a great future in India!” wrote the Argentine star, making clear the impact the local reception had on him.
Ovations, Chaos, and Overwhelming Passion
Messi’s arrival in the Asian country did not go unnoticed. Last Friday, the Rosario native landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on the outskirts of Kolkata, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, sparking a genuine frenzy.
His appearance at Salt Lake Stadium was brief but enough to ignite expectations. However, the situation ended in chaos when part of the crowd—many of whom had paid close to $100 for tickets—expected to see Messi play for a few minutes. The disappointment led to pitch invasions, damage in the stands, and complaints filed against the event organizer.
From UNICEF Engagements to Packed Stadiums
Beyond the episode in Kolkata, the tour continued with a packed agenda. In Hyderabad, Messi took part in activities as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, while in Mumbai he was greeted with deafening applause at Wankhede Stadium, where thousands of fans chanted his name in unison.
The final stop was New Delhi, where the Arun Jaitley Stadium fully surrendered to his presence, closing the tour with a powerful image of unity between the football icon and Indian supporters.
A Return Marked by History
It was not Messi’s first visit to India. Back in 2011, he had already traveled to the country with the Argentina national team for a friendly match against Venezuela. Fourteen years later, he returned to find an unchanged passion—only stronger and more widespread.
This time, Messi left behind more than photos and memories. He also delivered a clear wish: that football continues to grow in a country that has already shown just how deeply it admires him.
