Lionel Messi gifts PM Narendra Modi a signed 2022 World Cup jersey to celebrate his 75th birthday. (Image Credit: NDTV Sports)
Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has sent his signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17, marking another unique gesture from the global icon.
The Argentinean legend Messi will be touring India later this year from December 13-15. Based on his schedule, the football legend will initially arrive in Kolkata on December 13, a city that has a strong football culture. The following day, he will proceed to Mumbai, prior to wrapping up his tour in New Delhi on December 15, where he will meet PM Modi.
Satadru Dutta, who is the promoter as well as sports entrepreneur for Messi's tour, said to IANS, "Messi has also sent a signed jersey on PM Modi's 75th birthday. We will attempt to arrange his meeting with the PM when he visits India. He wishes well to the Indian fans and is glad to visit New Delhi and Mumbai for the first time and greet his fans there.
During his three-day tour, Messi will be attending some of India's symbolically important football stadiums. In Kolkata, he will appear at Salt Lake Stadium, and then at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi. These activities have been created to provide the fans with a once-in-lifetime experience of watching one of football's greatest stars in action and to celebrate football's increasing popularity in India.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that the world champions will be playing a friendly encounter in Kerala next November. Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman informed that Messi is most likely to captain the team for this friendly during the FIFA international match window, subject to final confirmation.
Kerala Football Association (KFA), in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is already finalizing arrangements, including the venue's selection. If Messi does make an appearance, it will be his second trip to India within two months, and that will make for an unforgettable experience for countrywide fans.
Messi’s gesture of sending a signed World Cup jersey for PM Modi’s birthday adds a personal touch to the football legend’s upcoming India visit. It is not only a gift but also a symbol of the global recognition of India’s growing passion for football. Fans and political leaders alike are eager to see Messi’s interactions during his visit, which promises to be one of the most high-profile football events in India this year.
With appearances in three major cities and the possibility of leading a friendly in Kerala, Messi’s visit is set to boost India’s football profile internationally. The combination of fan events, potential matches, and the birthday tribute to PM Modi ensures that Messi’s December visit will be remembered as a landmark moment for Indian sports enthusiasts.
