In a dream-come-true moment for Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav, he received an autographed jersey from global football icon Lionel Messi during the Argentine superstar's visit to New Delhi. The memorable interaction was part of Messi's highly anticipated 'GOAT India Tour 2025', which concluded in the national capital on December 15.
A Star-Studded Gathering in the Capital
The special meeting was facilitated by Adidas India, which shared images of the event on its official social media channels. The pictures showcased a proud Kuldeep Yadav alongside fellow brand athletes from the world of para sports. The gathering included two-time Paralympic javelin champion Sumit Antil and para high-jump World Championship gold medallist Nishad Singh.
In a striking image, Sumit Antil was seen posing with his javelin next to Lionel Messi, who was dressed in India's official T20 cricket jersey. The event also saw participation from other celebrated Indian athletes. Indian boxing star Nikhat Zareen and Women's World Cup-winning pacer Renuka Singh Thakur were among the distinguished sports personalities who got the opportunity to meet the football legend.
Personalised Souvenirs and Cricket Connections
Lionel Messi made the occasion even more special by presenting personalised memorabilia to the athletes. He signed a cricket ball for Renuka Singh Thakur and autographed an Argentina national team jersey for para-athlete Nishad Singh. For Kuldeep Yadav, a known football enthusiast and admirer of FC Barcelona, receiving a jersey signed by Messi was a particularly significant moment. Kuldeep has often expressed his admiration for the Spanish club, which Messi famously represented for the majority of his career before moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
The football star's four-city India tour commenced in Kolkata, followed by stops in Hyderabad and Mumbai, before his final leg in Delhi. During his time in the capital, a formal ceremony was held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium where ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented Indian cricket jerseys to Messi and his colleagues, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez.
Jersey Presentations and an Invitation
At the stadium event, Messi was gifted a customised Indian team jersey bearing his iconic number 10. Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul received jerseys numbered 9 and 7, respectively. In a significant gesture, ICC Chairman Jay Shah extended an invitation to Lionel Messi to attend the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Beyond the sports arena, Messi's Delhi itinerary included a meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and DDCA president Rohan Jaitley. Following his engagements in Delhi, the football legend concluded his India tour with a visit to Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, before his departure from the country.
The 'GOAT India Tour 2025' successfully bridged the worlds of football and cricket, creating unforgettable memories for Indian athletes and fans alike, and highlighting the universal appeal of sporting greatness.
