Minerva Academy To Be Felicitated During Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour

Last Updated:December 05, 2025, 16:20 IST

Minerva Academy FC youth team to be honoured during Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour in Delhi after winning three European titles earlier this year.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (X)

Minerva Academy FC’s youth team, which won three titles in Europe earlier this year, will be honoured during the Delhi leg of Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT India Tour’ later this month.

The Under-14/15 team of 22 footballers toured Europe in July and August, winning three trophies: the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the Dana Cup in Denmark and the Norway Cup in Norway.

During Messi’s stopover in Delhi, these young footballers will be honoured in the presence of the global football icon.

After the felicitation ceremony, the children may have the chance to play a special 9-v-9 game against Messi.

Minerva Academy FC is owned and managed by Ranjit Bajaj, who runs I-League club Delhi FC as well.

The tournaments in the Scandinavian region are regarded as some of the most prestigious youth football competitions worldwide and Minerva Academy FC’s team, which remained unbeaten in 26 games, scored 295 goals while conceding very few.

Konthoujam Yohenba Singh (Best Player, Gothia Cup) and Huidrom Tony (Best Player, Dana Cup) also received individual honours. The team played against various youth clubs, including those from South America and Europe.

Messi will begin his tour in Kolkata on December 13, followed by Hyderabad the same evening, before travelling to Mumbai on December 14 and ending in New Delhi on December 15.

The GOAT Tour, conceptualised by Satadru Dutta, will feature a mix of celebrity football games, musical events, meet-and-greet sessions, masterclasses for children and felicitation ceremonies across four cities.

In Delhi, Messi is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With PTI Inputs)

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