Messi Receives Hero's Welcome in Bombay After Turbulent Kolkata Start

Following a dramatic arrival in Kolkata marked by a viral fan placard and disturbances, Lionel Messi continued his promotional tour in India, receiving cheers in Bombay where he met a local sports icon.

Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina, pressed on with his India promotional tour after a bumpy start in Kolkata, where his December 13 arrival drew massive crowds, a poignant 'Save Indian Football' placard from a young fan that went viral, and some disturbances. In Bombay, the football superstar was met with an overwhelming ovation from enthusiastic fans. Messi also had a notable meeting with an iconic figure in Indian sports, enhancing the visit's significance. Teammates like Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez joined the tour, as per reports. The smooth proceedings in Bombay contrasted earlier issues, underscoring Messi's global appeal and the rising football fervor in India.

Related Articles

Lionel Messi holds MLS Cup trophy and MVP award as Inter Miami celebrates 2025 championship win.
Image generated by AI

Inter Miami crowns MLS champion with Messi as star

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

Inter Miami defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the 2025 MLS Cup final, securing their first title in the U.S. league. Lionel Messi, with two key assists, was pivotal in the win and received the playoff MVP award. The victory marks Messi's third title with the Florida club.

As Lionel Messi arrived in India, a young fan at Kolkata airport held a placard reading 'Save Indian Football', which quickly went viral. Messi's visit drew global attention but offered little substance for the sport. The placard highlighted the present crisis in Indian football more than the star-studded itinerary.

Reported by AI

Lionel Messi ended his India tour with a visit to the Vantara center in Jamnagar, alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez. They fed animals and took part in traditional rituals. The Argentine captain promised to return to the country.

Former 'Big Brother' contestant Coti Romero spoke out against the criticism faced by Lionel Messi after his meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. Romero reflected on the expectations placed on the footballer, stating that 'a lot is demanded of you'. The event sparked controversy on social media.

Reported by AI

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has returned to London with his wife Anushka Sharma after India's New Zealand series. They were spotted posing for a selfie with a fan. The couple is enjoying downtime before the IPL 2026 campaign.

Social media erupted with 'Thala for a reason' memes after India's narrow seven-run victory over England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Former captain MS Dhoni, watching from the stands, fueled the trend as the winning margin matched his iconic jersey number seven. The triumph advances India to the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Reported by AI

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where his team will defend their 2022 title, but emphasized that his participation depends on his physical condition. The 38-year-old, who recently extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028, plans to assess his fitness during preseason next year. In an NBC News interview, Messi described the opportunity as a dream despite his age.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline