Messi Wins Hearts in India: Argentine Legend's Touching Gesture to Sunil Chhetri Steals the Show
Image Source: Internet
Lionel Messi's whirlwind tour of India has captivated the nation, with thousands flocking to catch a glimpse of the football legend. However, the initial leg in Kolkata was marred by controversy over poor crowd management, prompting Messi to leave the stadium early. The situation improved in Hyderabad, where a well-organized event drew a massive crowd of 50,000 fans. In Mumbai, Messi's presence was met with immense enthusiasm, with fans cheering on not only him but also Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and football icon Sunil Chhetri were the only exceptions. A heartwarming moment stole the show when Messi presented Chhetri with his signed Argentina jersey, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Chhetri also featured in the celebrity match for Mitra All Stars, scoring a goal in the process. During the event, Messi, Suarez, and De Paul made a memorable entrance, greeting players and drawing loud cheers from the fans. They later participated in a 7-a-side exhibition game alongside Indian internationals, took a lap around the ground, and interacted with young footballers from the Project Maha-Deva programme. The event at Wankhede Stadium went off smoothly, with fans showering Messi with love and respect.