Global football icon Lionel Messi touched down in India's national capital, New Delhi, on Monday, December 15, marking a significant stop on his much-hyped tour of the country. The Argentine maestro, fresh from successful events in Hyderabad and Mumbai, was joined by his Inter Miami CF teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, for the Delhi leg of his journey.
A Sold-Out Stadium Amid a Smog Blanket
The visit culminated in a packed event at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium, where fans flocked to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winner. However, the sporting spectacle unfolded against a challenging backdrop. The city was engulfed in a thick layer of smog, with air quality plunging to hazardous levels. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in the 'Severe' category, hitting a worrying 452 at 8 AM on the day of Messi's appearance.
Internet Erupts with Humorous Takes on Delhi's Air
While the event enthralled football fanatics, the severe pollution became an unavoidable talking point, sparking a wave of witty and concerned reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Netizens humorously predicted how the disastrous air conditions might impact the football legend's Delhi outing.
One user quipped, "Messi has 896 career goals…Delhi's AQI will beat that." Another added a layer of concern to the humor, suggesting, "With an Air Quality Index of 435 in Delhi, Messi Should be given a Mask before a Jersey."
The much-anticipated potential meeting between Messi and Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli also became fodder for jokes about the poor visibility. A blurry image of the two was shared with the caption, "Fans are waiting to see Virat Kohli and Leo Messi together in Delhi. Meanwhile, this is how the photo would probably look in Delhi air." Taking it a step further, another person posted a plain white image, claiming it was a "photo of Messi and Virat Kohli in Delhi."
Messi's Star-Studded Indian Tour
Messi's India tour has been marked by high-profile interactions beyond the football pitch. Prior to Delhi, the former Barcelona star met with a diverse array of Indian luminaries. His itinerary included a meeting with Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.
In a notable moment for Indian football, Messi presented a signed Argentina national team jersey to the country's football captain, Sunil Chhetri. The interaction occurred after Chhetri participated in and scored during a celebrity 7-a-side exhibition match, sharing a warm handshake and hug with the Argentine great.
The tour, blending sport, celebrity, and environmental reality, has cemented Messi's massive appeal in India while inadvertently highlighting the persistent public health challenge of air pollution in the capital city.
