“Due to unfavorable weather conditions, Messi’s flight has been delayed. The event will start 40 minutes later than originally planned,” stated a message from the organisers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The city has enforced strict security protocols, including traffic advisories, to manage VVIP movement and events. Messi and his entourage will be accommodated at The Leela Palace in Chanakyapuri, with an entire floor reserved for them, as reported by NDTV.
The Argentine team will occupy Presidential Suites at the hotel, which range from ₹3.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh per night. Hotel staff have been instructed not to disclose any details about Messi’s stay.
A private meet-and-greet event has been organized for select VIP guests and corporate clients at a lavish price, reportedly reaching up to ₹1 crore.
Although a meeting with PM Modi was canceled due to his trip to three countries, Messi will meet the Chief Justice of India, several parliamentarians, and a carefully chosen group of Indian sports stars. He will then proceed to the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he will interact with a select few Indian cricket players.
#Delhi‘s Arun Jaitley Stadium gearing up for Lionel #Messi‘s arrival! #GOATTourIndia pic.twitter.com/SM43QH6zlk
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 15, 2025
Afterward, the Argentine captain will attend an event hosted by Adidas at Purana Qila. Messi will engage with Indian sporting champions at the Old Fort, including Rohit Sharma, Paralympic javelin gold medalist Sumit Antil, boxing world champion Nikhat Zareen, and Olympic high jump medalist Nishad Kumar.
He is scheduled to leave for the airport at 6:15 pm, with a departure from India around 8 pm, marking the end of his eagerly awaited GOAT tour.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
