NEW DELHI
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav was gifted a signed Argentina football jersey by Lionel Messi during the football legend’s visit to Delhi as part of his “GOAT India Tour 2025.” The moment was shared on the official Adidas India social media handle, highlighting Kuldeep alongside other Indian athletes including Paralympic champions Sumit Antil and Nishad Singh.
Messi, accompanied by football stars Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, visited Delhi after stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. During the Delhi leg, ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented jerseys of the Indian cricket team to Messi, Suarez, and De Paul. Messi received the number 10 jersey, Suarez number 9, and De Paul number 7, all customised with their names. Shah also extended an invitation for Messi to attend the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The event allowed athletes and sports icons to interact personally with Messi. Kuldeep, a known FC Barcelona fan, was thrilled to receive the signed jersey, while Renuka Singh Thakur had a cricket ball signed, and Nishad Singh received an Argentina jersey. Sumit Antil posed for photos with Messi while holding a javelin, and boxing star Nikhat Zareen also met the football superstar.
Messi concluded his India tour in Jamnagar, Gujarat, visiting the Vantara wildlife conservation centre before departing. Highlights of his visit included meeting Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi.
