History in the Making! Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour Hits Delhi as Virat Kohli Meets the Football Legend

Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour reaches Delhi with the GOAT Cup match, high-profile meetings, and a much-awaited Virat Kohli meet.

shivani Poli December 15, 2025

470 3 minutes read

Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour in Delhi: Virat Kohli Meet Lionel Messi as GOAT Cup Match, PM Meet and Grand Events Take Centre Stage

The Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour moves to its most high-profile destination on Sunday as the Argentine football legend arrives in New Delhi. After massive fanfare in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, the tour enters its third day in the national capital, where Messi is set to take part in a packed schedule of sporting events and high-level meetings. News18 CricketNext brings live updates as anticipation builds around one of the most talked-about sporting visits to India in recent years.

GOAT Cup Exhibition Match at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Match Timings and Event Details

Lionel Messi is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on Sunday morning directly from Mumbai. The highlight of the day will be the GOAT Cup exhibition match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, set to begin around 1:30 pm. Stadium gates will open at 11:30 am, with fans expected to fill the venue hours in advance. The exhibition will feature Minerva Academy’s U14 and U15 teams competing in a 9v9 match, offering young Indian footballers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in the presence of a global icon.

Virat Kohli Set to Meet Lionel Messi

One of the most anticipated moments of the Delhi leg is the expected Virat Kohli meet Lionel Messi interaction. The presence of the Indian cricket superstar has generated enormous excitement across sports fans, with many eager to witness two of the greatest athletes of their respective sports in the same frame. While officials have not confirmed details publicly, reports suggest Kohli may attend the match and interact with Messi during the event.

High-Profile Meetings and Private Interactions

Beyond the football pitch, Messi’s Delhi itinerary includes a series of important private engagements. The Argentine legend is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah later in the afternoon. His schedule also reportedly includes interactions with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief Justice of India. These meetings underline the cultural and diplomatic significance of Messi’s visit, extending its impact beyond sport. Tickets for the Delhi event were sold out well in advance, with prices ranging between Rs. 4,720 and Rs. 5,900, reflecting the immense public interest.

Messi’s GOAT India Tour: Day 1 and Day 2 Recap

Chaotic Start in Kolkata

The GOAT India Tour began on a turbulent note in Kolkata, where massive crowds gathered at Salt Lake Stadium hoping to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi. Unfortunately, overcrowding and logistical issues forced authorities to cut the visit short. Frustration among fans led to scenes of vandalism and unrest, briefly overshadowing the excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival in India.

Warm Welcome and Revival in Hyderabad

Day 1 ended on a much more positive note when Messi travelled to Hyderabad. There, he received a warm and well-managed reception, interacted closely with fans, and took part in a friendly football session. He was joined by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and the atmosphere reflected the celebratory spirit expected from the GOAT India Tour. The Hyderabad leg successfully restored momentum and goodwill around the visit.

Grand Celebration at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The second day of the tour unfolded smoothly in Mumbai, where Messi spent over an hour at a packed Wankhede Stadium. Sharing the spotlight with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri, as well as prominent figures from sports and entertainment, Messi interacted with young footballers and fans alike. He took a memorable lap of honour around the stadium as chants echoed through the venue, creating one of the most iconic moments of the tour so far.

Delhi Leg Expected to Be the Biggest Highlight

As the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour reaches Delhi, expectations are at an all-time high. With the GOAT Cup match, high-profile meetings, and the much-awaited Virat Kohli meet Lionel Messi moment, the capital city is set to witness a historic day in Indian sports culture. Fans across the country are closely following updates, hoping the Delhi leg delivers a fitting climax to Messi’s unforgettable India visit.

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