Lionel Messi in Delhi: Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, Lionel Messi, one of football’s most celebrated players, is set to arrive in Delhi today. The city has made full preparations to welcome him. Messi is scheduled to land at Delhi airport at 10:45 am, after which his day will be packed with security arrangements, meetings with VIPs, and high-profile events. Reports indicate that the company is spending up to Rs 1 crore for a personal meeting and an exclusive interview with Messi.
Lionel Messi in Delhi: Messi’s flight delayed
Lionel Messi is set to visit Delhi on Monday, December 15th. His flight, originally scheduled to arrive in Delhi around 11 am from Mumbai, has been delayed, with the new departure time now set for 12 noon. Following his arrival, Messi will attend the main event at Arun Stadium, which will take place from 1 pm to 4 pm. Consequently, a traffic advisory has been issued for Central Delhi from 10 am to 5 pm.
Messi Delhi Tour Update: Messi to stay at The Leela Palace
Messi will fly directly from the airport to The Leela Palace Hotel in Chanakyapuri. Security has been tightened around the palace. An entire floor of the hotel has been booked solely for Messi. He will participate in a 50-minute meet-and-greet at the hotel.
Handshake to cost crores
According to sources, certain companies have spent as much as ₹1 crore for an opportunity to meet Messi, meaning that even a simple handshake with him comes at a price of millions.
Messi to meet CJI and members of Parliament
During his Delhi visit, Messi is scheduled to meet the Chief Justice of India, several members of Parliament, and select Indian athletes, including cricketers as well as Olympic and Paralympic medalists. Earlier reports suggested that Messi would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival, but this meeting is now unlikely as the Prime Minister is currently out of the country on a trip to Jordan.
Visit to Arun Jaitley Stadium
Messi will also make a stop at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he will conduct a football clinic and interact with players, offering them tips and guidance. Afterwards, he will proceed to Purana Qila to take part in a special event organized by Adidas. At this event, Messi will meet prominent Indian sports personalities, including cricketer Rohit Sharma, Paralympic javelin gold medalist Sumit Antil, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and high jumper Nishad Kumar.
Messi’s memorable Delhi visit
Messi will leave for the airport around 6:15 pm and depart India at 8 pm. This visit to Delhi will be short and very special for Messi.