Lionel Messi Delhi visit delayed after heavy fog in New Delhi disrupted the final leg of his GOAT Tour India, forcing his chartered flight from Mumbai to depart later than scheduled. Organisers at Arun Jaitley Stadium told spectators that the event would start around 40 minutes late, citing adverse weather conditions that affected the World Cup winner’s travel plans.
Fog disruption delays Messi’s arrival
Messi, on a three-day whirlwind visit to India, spent his second day in Mumbai and was due to land in Delhi earlier in the morning to complete his final public engagements. Dense fog and poor visibility, however, meant his chartered aircraft could not take off on time, leaving him stuck at Mumbai airport for several hours and delaying his appearance in the capital.
He is now expected to fly to Delhi to wrap up the tour with a ticketed appearance at Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla), where thousands of fans have gathered to see him. Organisers have adjusted timings to accommodate the delayed arrival while keeping spectators informed about schedule changes.
Highlights from Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata
On Sunday evening in Mumbai, Messi thrilled supporters by meeting cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and posing for photos alongside Bollywood stars and political leaders, adding a cross-sport, cross-industry glamour to the tour. Earlier stops in Hyderabad and Kolkata drew huge crowds, underlining the Argentine captain’s unmatched popularity among Indian football fans.
The Kolkata leg, hosted at Salt Lake Stadium, also saw chaotic moments when frustrated fans, unable to get a clear view of Messi due to heavy security and officials surrounding him, damaged seats and spilled onto the pitch. Those incidents highlighted both the intensity of local passion for the football icon and the logistical challenges of managing such a high-profile tour in football‑mad cities.
Gulf Repost follows global football’s biggest names and moments from a regional perspective, tracking star tours, fan culture, and major matches that resonate across the Middle East and South Asia. From Lionel Messi’s India visits to Gulf league signings and international tournaments, Gulf Repost connects local audiences to the world’s game with clear, insightful coverage.
