Messi sends world cup jersey to Modi

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has sent his signed 2022 World Cup-winning jersey to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his 75th birthday, ahead of his highly anticipated India tour in December.

Promoter Satadru Dutta, who is organizing Messi’s visit, told PTI that the jersey is expected to reach the Prime Minister in two to three days. “When I met Messi in February, I mentioned the Prime Minister’s upcoming birthday, and he immediately agreed to send a signed jersey,” Dutta said.

Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025’ will include stops in Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi from December 13, culminating in a meeting with PM Modi on December 15 at his residence. Kolkata, a football-mad city, will host the first leg of the trip.

This will be Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, when he played a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Dutta added that he is working to arrange a personal meeting between Messi and the Prime Minister during the tour.

Additionally, the Argentina national team, led by manager Lionel Scaloni, is scheduled to play a friendly match in Kerala in November, confirmed Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman last month.