Sunil Chhetri Expressed Gratitude To Messi: 'The Man Whose Art Is My Antidote For All The Times I'm...'

Last Updated:December 16, 2025, 10:42 IST

Messi presented India's all-time leading goal-scorer with a jersey after the duo exchanged hugs and pleasantries during the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's trip to Mumbai.

Sunil Chhetri, Lionel Messi. (X)

Star Indian striker Sunil Chhetri expressed his delight in being able to share the space with the legendary Lionel Messi during the Argentine World Cup-winner GOAT India tour.

Messi presented India’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Chhetri, with a jersey after the duo exchanged hugs and pleasantries during the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s trip to Mumbai on Saturday.

“The build-up to Saturday was filled with little fights, and in a rare win, Sunil Chhetri the fan beat Sunil Chhetri the pro, and I couldn’t be happier about it."

“I’ve been nursing an injury that’s restricted me to a hobble and needless to say, I don’t like being around even myself when I’m spending more time on the physios table than the pitch."

“I almost didn’t make the trip to Mumbai, till the fan in me rebelled and went anyway. Turned out, meeting the man who makes me very happy, and whose art is my antidote for all the times I am sad, was exactly what I needed."

“To be able to express my gratitude to leomessi in person for everything that he has done for our sport, felt like both – a dream and a duty."

“It was lovely to meet another World Cup winner in Rodrigo De Paul, and then there was the child-like excitement to share the frame with arguably the most complete No.9 of our generation – Luis Suarez."

“And Mumbai, you absolute beauty, thank you for making me feel so loved. I do not take it for granted."

“At the end of it, I guess, both the Chhetri’s turned up on Saturday and the joy was twice as much."

Messi presented an Argentina jersey to Chhetri and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who honoured the World Cup-winner along with his teammates, Suarez and De Paul, after his lap around the ground.

Messi, who arrived in Mumbai on Sunday morning, attended a meet-and-greet with celebrities at the Cricket Club of India before heading to the Wankhede Stadium.

Mumbai transformed into a tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Followers of the Argentine World Cup-winner painted the streets red, turning the iconic Marine Drive into a homage to the miracle man from Rosario. Fans adorned the famous Mumbai local trains with banners, scarves, and jerseys, celebrating the Argentine World Cup-winner.

After a chaotic start to the tour on Saturday morning at the Salt Lake Stadium, the Hyderabad leg in the evening helped calm the pandemonium in Kolkata. Messi appeared comfortable on the field, passing the ball around with teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, as Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also joined in.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thrilled fans with a few touches before sending lucky spectators home with a memento by kicking a ball into the stands, where excited followers scrambled to catch it. Messi was honoured by Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following the exhibition game in Uppal.

After the event in Telangana, Messi flew to Mumbai for another exciting day, before concluding the tour with a appearance in New Delhi.

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