Lionel Messi shared a moment with Sunil Chhetri as both hugged each other, and the Argentine also gifted a signed Argentina jersey to the Indian.

The Argentine media labeled Lionel Messi’s trip to India as tumultuous, putting the blame on the organisers’ inefficiency, discontented followers, and tumultuousness at the venue in Kolkata. The accounts underscored that Messi had to exit prematurely due to the chaos and the operators were already under heavy criticism,

Here is Messi and Argentina’s route to the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina certainly avoided some of the trickiest opposition during the group stage draw. They were unable to lock horns with any fellow CONMEBOL nations, but also managed to steer clear of troublemakers such as Croatia, Norway, Morocco and Japan.

The Messi–Chhetri interaction set Wankhede Stadium alight, as the two football icons shared a handshake and a brief exchange, sending the crowd into raptures

The 2026 World Cup draw is set. Here’s a look at where you can catch Lionel Messi and reigning World Cup champion Argentina.

Is Lionel Messi playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? That's the question on everyone's minds entering next summer's 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Messi responded by handing Tendulkar a football, prompting loud applause from the stands. As the event drew to a close, Messi was seen holding the Indian tricolour, while Suárez carried Uruguay’s flag and De Paul waved Argentina’s colours, offering fans a striking visual to end the night.

Lionel Messi conversed with Sunil Chhetri and presented him with his Argentina jerseyMessi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul kicked balls into the stands and completed a lap of the groundMaharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched 'Project Maha-Deva' to identify and nurture young football players Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar appeared together at

A major African national team could be a potential opponent for Lionel Messi’s Argentina just before they face Spain in the Finalissima.