The sun-drenched Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi became a temple of football on Monday as the city's elite fans, braving a severe air quality index (AQI) of 451, were treated to a spectacle by none other than Lionel Messi. The Argentine icon, accompanied by teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, entertained a packed gathering of approximately 30,000, marking a successful and serene conclusion to his Indian tour.
Braving the Haze for a Glimpse of Greatness
Despite the capital city grappling with hazardous pollution levels, the spirit of football reigned supreme. Parents escorted their children, all eager to witness the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Messi, wrapped in a security detail, glided into the stadium at 4:30 PM, an hour later than scheduled, but the wait was quickly forgotten. The security personnel were unobtrusive, allowing the Inter Miami trio—fresh from winning the MLS Cup—to take a lap of honour, kick numerous footballs into the delirious crowd, and enjoy a playful kickabout with young academy players.
Fans like Divyansh and Manik, who travelled from Ludhiana, managed to catch one of the prized balls. "Cannot frame words to how happy we are," they exclaimed, breathless with joy. For the young academy boys and girls who passed the ball to Messi, it was a moment destined for family lore, a story to be told decades later.
A Contrast to Kolkata and Gifts from India
The Delhi event stood in stark contrast to the unseemly incident in Kolkata last Saturday, where irate fans vandalised Salt Lake Stadium after poor organisation limited their view of Messi. The tours in Hyderabad and Mumbai had passed smoothly, and the Capital followed suit. However, some dedicated fans noted that the children on the ground had to wait for two hours, suggesting better planning for young attendees could be considered.
The visit also turned into a cross-sport celebration. A photo session featured Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah presented Messi, Suarez, and de Paul with T20 World Cup tickets, a cricket bat, and Indian team jerseys. Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia shared the stage, while former India goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan got her jersey signed by the Inter Miami stars.
The Parting Promise and a Silent Contrast
As dusk settled, Messi took the microphone. Speaking in Spanish, he told the adoring crowd, "It was beautiful to receive all the love and support. I knew it was there, but to receive it first hand was, well, amazing. I will definitely be back." The promise of a return was met with thunderous cheers, transcending the language barrier.
The joyous scene at the stadium silently underscored the struggles of Indian football. As Messi waved to fans, the Indian national team is ranked 142nd globally. Miles away, the Football House, headquarters of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), remains embroiled in court hearings and a crippling paucity of funds, with leagues struggling to find sponsors. The magic of Messi's visit offered a fleeting but powerful glimpse of the sport's potential in India, leaving behind memories and a hopeful vow of return.
