New Delhi

ICC Chairman Jay Shah on Monday presented Indian cricket team jerseys to global football icons Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul during a special interaction at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital.

Messi’s visit to Delhi marked the concluding chapter of his much-celebrated GOAT India Tour 2025, during which he was accompanied by his Inter Miami FC teammates Suarez and De Paul. The Argentine legend met Jay Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley, drawing massive attention from fans across the city.

In a symbolic gesture celebrating the coming together of cricket and football, Shah handed over customised Team India jerseys to the three footballers — Messi received jersey number 10, Suarez number 9, and De Paul number 7, each bearing their respective names. Messi was also gifted a specially autographed cricket bat, adding a unique cricketing touch to the occasion.

Adding to the memorable exchange, Shah invited Messi to attend the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and presented him with the first ticket to the tournament. Messi was also given tickets for the India vs USA match, a fitting gesture given his current club commitments in the United States.

As Messi and his teammates entered the stadium, they were greeted by thunderous cheers from the packed stands. The footballers engaged with young fans, enjoying a brief kickabout and sending footballs soaring into the crowd, each moment triggering louder applause than the last.

Delhi was the final stop of Messi’s India tour, following earlier appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. While the Kolkata event witnessed chaotic scenes after fans grew restless when Messi exited early, his visit to Hyderabad turned festive, highlighted by a seven-a-side exhibition match and interactions with political leaders, including Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium offered another unforgettable spectacle, where Messi, Suarez and De Paul thrilled fans amid music, cultural performances and a friendly match featuring Indian sports personalities. Messi shared a special moment with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, presenting him with a signed Argentina jersey.

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The tour reached a historic high point when cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar presented Messi with a Team India jersey, capturing a rare and cherished moment that blended two sporting worlds.