This Is How Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour Came to an End in India
Lionel Messi closed his India tour surrounded by ovations, organizational controversy, and a promise that reignited hope among thousands of fans in New Delhi.
An emotional finale after days of sharp contrasts
Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour 2025 in India came to an end with a memorable night at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where thousands of fans filled the stands to bid farewell to the Argentine icon. After an intense and tightly packed tour, the closing chapter offered a very different feeling from the one experienced days earlier in Kolkata, where a mass event descended into chaos and sparked heavy criticism of the organizers.
In contrast, the event in the Indian capital unfolded in a festive and controlled atmosphere, featuring music, a celebrity match, and direct interaction between Messi and the crowd. Although a much-anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not take place, the day was widely viewed as a success due to its organization and the overwhelming response from supporters.
Messi as mentor and central figure
During the main event, Messi embraced a mentoring role by sharing the pitch with 25 young players from the Minerva Academy, reinforcing the tour’s developmental message. He was joined by close companions Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, who, along with Messi, received commemorative jerseys during the ceremony.
One of the most talked-about moments came when Rodrigo De Paul was seen acting as an impromptu bodyguard, helping a young fan reach Messi for a photo. The image quickly went viral and perfectly captured the closeness and warmth that defined the final stop of the tour.
The controversial side: extreme luxury and organizational criticism
Beyond the emotion, the tour also generated debate. The premium experiences offered during Messi’s visit drew criticism for their exorbitant prices, with a handshake and photo reportedly costing over USD 11,000, while private corporate encounters reached figures close to USD 120,000.
The most troubling episode occurred in Kolkata, where an event at Salt Lake Stadium was halted due to security and organizational failures. Authorities arrested the promoter responsible and launched a formal investigation, casting a shadow over part of the tour.
The promise that ignited hope across India
In his final address, Lionel Messi spoke to the crowd in Spanish, thanking fans for their affection and highlighting how intense yet beautiful the experience had been. His words triggered an immediate ovation, especially when he expressed his desire to return to India someday—ideally to play a match.
The crowd responded by chanting his name for several minutes, even reviving iconic moments from his career, including the famous “qué mirás, bobo,” turned into a celebratory chant. Fourteen years after his last visit, Messi returned to India and left behind more than memories—he left a genuine emotional connection and a promise that continues to resonate.
