Delhi Traffic Advisory: Lionel Messi’s visit to Delhi brings traffic alerts and travel changes

Lionel Messi, the star footballer, has landed in New Delhi as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025 after touring cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. To make things smooth, the city authorities have issued a travel advisory to help residents and visitors navigate anticipated congestion and security measures.

The 38-year footballer from Argentina will make an appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi today as a part of his tour. Authorities are expecting large crowds in the region which will impact traffic across prime locations in the national capital. Let’s have a look at what all is happening and what roads you must avoid:Where and when Place: Arun Jaitley Stadium Timings: 11 AM - 5 PMLionel Messi’s scheduled event at Arun Jaitley Stadium will be held between 11 AM and 5 PM.

This is the time when peak crowds are expected. The public movement around the venue is likely to begin around 11 AM.Traffic Diversions & Road Closures (particularly between 10 AM and 5 PM)Traffic diversions will be in effect on major roads including Bahadur Shah Zafar MargITOJawaharlal Nehru MargDelhi Gate Netaji Subhash Marg Commuters are advised to avoid driving near the stadium during these hours if possible.Key highlights of the event include:Celebrity football match at 2:50 PMLionel Messi expected to join the match at 3:30 PMFootball clinic at 3:45 PM for 30 children from Minerva AcademyStage ceremony and G.O.A.T Cup exhibition match at 4:20 PM Quick look at Messi’s Delhi itinerary

Arrival: From Mumbai via charter flight between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PMPublic Event: Arun Jaitley Stadium (11:30 AM onwards)VIP Meetings: Including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries during the afternoonDeparture: Late night on December 15 or early December 16Parking & Drop-off Guidelines

Parking around the stadium is strictly prohibited.

Vehicles parked unlawfully in restricted zones will be towed and fined. Vehicles with valid labels would be parked at designated parking areas (e.g., P1 near Vikram Nagar). Vehicles without labels should be parked at the Rajghat Powerhouse parking lot or Mata Sundari Lane. App-based taxi riders are encouraged to be dropped off at Rajghat Chowk Best ways to travelThe police and traffic officials recommend using public transport. Metro or buses are the best ways to reduce congestion and make travel smoother. Security arrangementsAfter a mess and mismanagement at Messi’s Kolkata stop, Delhi Police is extra vigilant and have put in place multi-layered security measures across the venue. Entry checkpoints, frisking points, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response teams are active.