In a moment that transcended his legendary status in Indian football, Sunil Chhetri allowed himself to be simply a fan. The iconic former captain of the Indian national team shared a deeply personal account of meeting global football superstar Lionel Messi during the latter's highly anticipated visit to Mumbai.
A Dream Meeting at the Wankhede
The encounter took place on Sunday, December 14, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Messi was in the city as part of his GOAT India Tour, accompanied by fellow football stars Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. During the event, the Argentine maestro presented Chhetri with a prized possession: a signed Argentina national team jersey.
Chhetri, who is currently nursing an injury, revealed in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday that he almost skipped the trip to Mumbai. "I've been nursing an injury that's restricted me to a hobble," he wrote, expressing his frustration at spending more time with the physio than on the pitch. However, the fan in him rebelled, leading to a decision he would not regret.
The Fan Triumphs Over the Professional
In his social media reflection, Chhetri described an internal conflict. "The build-up 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," the Indian football icon confessed. He described meeting Messi as the perfect antidote he needed, calling the Argentine's art a source of happiness and a cure for sadness.
"To be able to express my gratitude to Leo Messi in person for everything that he has done for our sport, felt like both - a dream and a duty," Chhetri's post elaborated. The event was not just about Messi; Chhetri also expressed his delight at meeting Rodrigo De Paul, another World Cup winner, and shared his child-like excitement at being photographed with Luis Suarez, whom he called "arguably the most complete No.9 of our generation."
Gift Exchanges and Star-Studded Gathering
The programme at the Wankhede was a grand celebration of sporting excellence. It concluded with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gifting Messi an Indian cricket team jersey. The photographs from the event captured a unique gathering, featuring Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Messi, and his teammates, symbolizing a confluence of football and cricket royalty.
Chhetri also took a moment to thank the city of Mumbai for its warmth, writing, "And Mumbai, you absolute beauty, thank you for making me feel so loved. I do not take it for granted."
Messi's Tour Concludes in Delhi
Following the Mumbai leg, Lionel Messi proceeded to Delhi on Monday, marking the final chapter of his India tour. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, he was received by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.
In a continuation of the sports diplomacy seen in Mumbai, Jay Shah presented Indian cricket team jerseys to Messi, Suarez, and De Paul. Messi also received an autographed cricket bat from Shah, further cementing the symbolic bridge between the worlds of international football and cricket during this memorable tour.
