By News18,Siddarth Sriram

Copyright news18

As anticipation builds for Lionel Messi’s much-awaited tour of India, the Argentine football legend has sent a special gift to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday: a signed jersey from Argentina’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
A Gesture of Respect
Promoter Satadru Dutta, who is spearheading Messi’s visit to India, confirmed the development on Wednesday.
“When I met him in February to discuss the visit, I had told him that the PM’s 75th birthday is also coming, and he said he would send a signed jersey for the Prime Minister,” Dutta told PTI.
The iconic jersey is expected to be delivered to the Prime Minister’s residence within the next two to three days.
Plans for a High-Profile Meeting
Dutta also revealed that efforts are underway to arrange a personal meeting between Messi and PM Modi during the tour.
The itinerary, titled “GOAT Tour of India 2025,” will take Messi to Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi between December 13 and 15. His schedule will conclude with an audience with the Prime Minister in the national capital on December 15.
Messi’s Return to India After 14 Years
This will be Messi’s first trip to India since 2011, when he led Argentina in a FIFA-sanctioned friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, which ended 1-0 in favor of the Albiceleste.
The memory of that game still resonates in the football-mad city, which will serve as the opening stop on his December visit. For Indian fans, his return represents not only nostalgia but also the rare chance to see the reigning World Cup champion up close.
Behind the Scenes of the Tour
Dutta said he first discussed the proposal with Messi’s father earlier this year. This was followed by a direct meeting with Messi himself on February 28, where the two reportedly spoke for 45 minutes at the superstar’s residence.
Messi’s whirlwind India tour will feature multiple engagements and programs designed to celebrate his legacy and inspire football’s growth in the country.
Argentina Team Also Set for Kerala Appearance
Adding to the excitement, Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman recently announced that the Argentina national football team, under manager Lionel Scaloni and led by Messi, will play a friendly in Kerala this November.
This forms part of Argentina’s wider tour schedule, which includes fixtures in Luanda, Angola, and India.
(with PTI inputs)