Spanish Chants, VIP Boos: Inside Lionel Messi’s Electric Delhi Tour

The Delhi leg of Lionel Messi’s historic India tour delivered an unforgettable mix of passion, noise, emotion, and unpredictability, offering a rare glimpse into the frenzy surrounding one of football’s greatest icons. From Spanish chants and celebrity sightings to VIP boos and playful Cristiano Ronaldo fan jibes, the final stop of Messi’s visit had it all.

For members of the sports media fraternity, the day was as chaotic as it was memorable. With Messi rarely seen live in India, the opportunity to witness him in person felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment — and the anticipation was evident long before the gates opened.

Outside Arun Jaitley Stadium, fans began gathering early, many travelling from across India and even neighbouring countries. Chants of “Messi, Messi” echoed through the streets, joined by Spanish slogans like “Visca Barca.” The long-standing Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry also made its presence felt, with a handful of fans in Cristiano Ronaldo jerseys chanting “SIUUU,” sparking light-hearted exchanges.

Despite delays caused by Messi’s late arrival, crowd management remained largely smooth. Entry gates opened later than scheduled, but there were no signs of unrest, and security arrangements were notably tighter compared to similar high-profile events held earlier this year.

Inside the stadium, journalists waited as an exhibition 9-on-9 match between academy players and celebrities played out. The atmosphere shifted dramatically the moment word spread that Messi had arrived.

Accompanied by Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, Messi entered the stadium to thunderous applause. He greeted players, waved to fans, and kicked footballs into the stands, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The mood briefly turned tense when dignitaries took the stage. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, ICC chief Jay Shah, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were met with boos from sections of the crowd. The loudest reaction was reserved for the chief minister, with chants referencing Delhi’s air pollution crisis reverberating through the stands.

Messi’s on-field appearance lasted around 40 minutes, but it was enough to leave fans satisfied. The crowd exited the venue in an orderly manner, many visibly emotional after witnessing football history unfold before them.

For journalists covering the event, the day ended on a high note — with live reporting from inside the stadium itself, a rare privilege. Standing on iconic sporting turf while discussing a football event underscored the significance of the occasion.

While an official Argentina or Inter Miami match would have offered greater sporting value, Messi’s presence alone made the event historic. For fans and media alike, it was a day destined to be remembered and retold for generations.