Messi receives special Indian Cricket tribute during GOAT India tour

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was felicitated with a personalised Indian cricket jersey , a signed bat and tickets to India’s 2026 T20 World Cup opener during a special event held on December 15 as part of his GOAT India Tour.

The presentation took place during a curated fan engagement programme organised to mark Messi’s visit, with the ceremony held at a closed-door indoor venue , according to organisers. The memorabilia, including the customised jersey, was handed over by the event organisers in the presence of Indian sports stars, underscoring the growing bond between football and cricket in the country.

Messi later posed for photographs alongside Olympic javelin gold medallist Neeraj Chopra and Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav , creating a moment that quickly gained traction on social media. Fans were particularly drawn to the jersey’s design, noting that its stripes subtly echoed Argentina’s iconic blue-and-white kit, a visual nod to Messi’s World Cup-winning national side.

The December 15 event capped Messi’s India tour, which included high-profile stops in Mumbai and Jamnagar. Accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates, the Argentine legend has participated in fan interactions and promotional appearances, drawing massive crowds and widespread attention wherever he went.

Messi’s visit highlighted his enduring popularity in India and showcased the crossover appeal of global sporting icons, with the GOAT India Tour leaving fans celebrating the rare fusion of football and cricket cultures.