Messi bowls over fans despite arriving late

The Delhi fans showed love and shouted their lungs out for one wave or look from one of the greatest footballers in the world. As much as they loved stargazing Lionel Messi, the fans wanted more from the Argentine legend who spent a little over 40 minutes at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

Messi, alongside his two close friends Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived late at the venue even as more than 20,000 fans waited eagerly. Messi’s flight from Mumbai was delayed due to inclement weather. Despite being an hour late, Messi was welcomed into the stadium with a roar and fireworks.

Before he walked in there was a customary football match between Messi Celebrity XI and trainees from the Minerva Football Academy, which was won 6-0 by the academy players. But the rest of the schedule had to be curtailed due to the time constraints.

The ‘football clinic with 30 kids’ became a kick-about between Messi and his friends and a few 10-year-olds as they played one-touch passing. Then came the big show, where Messi, surrounded by security and the social media team, took a lap of honour in the stadium. As he applauded his fans, Messi occasionally used his divine left foot to shoot footballs into the crowd. He kicked one ball to the top tier of the Mohinder Amarnath Stand, much to the disbelief and awe of many in the crowd. Before this, Messi obliged a few fans with photographs and autographs.

To round up the tour, Messi and his posse were brought to the grand stage where the winning team was handed over a trophy and the grand prize of a group photograph.

ICC chief Jay Shah first presented Messi the first ticket for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He then gifted Messi, Suarez and De Paul the India team jerseys before handing him a signed bat from the Indian team.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also made a brief appearance to meet and felicitate the modern day great. Former Indian men’s football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia and former women's team goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan also spent some time with Messi. The Argentine, in fact, signed her jersey and spent some time talking with the goalie.

Messi and his entourage will next be hosted by Reliance Industries scion Anant Ambani at Vantara.