Despite Delhi choking as its air quality turns hazardous, Lionel Messi is so far set to continue the last leg of his GOAT tour here.
The final stop in what has been a whirlwind tour for the Argentinian superstar involves 'Meet and Greet' sessions with Argentina’s Ambassador to India, Mariano Agustin Caucino, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Enforcement Directorate chief Rahul Navin, and a few other government officials, as per an Outlook India report.
VIDEO | Delhi: Fans of football icon Lionel Messi arrive at the airport ahead of his arrival in the capital; security tightened.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2025
The Argentine legend is scheduled to attend an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday between 1 pm and 4 pm.
(Full video available on PTI… pic.twitter.com/MFSWqfWZB6
He was also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was cancelled, as the latter on Monday flew to Jordan as part of a three-nation tour, at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. However, it is not clear whether PM Modi will virtually meet with Messi.
Today, I will be in Jordan at the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II. This visit comes at a time when we mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between our nations. I will be holding talks with His Majesty and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. I also look forward to interacting…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2025
Messi will then felicitate the Minerva Academy’s triple youth-trophy-winning teams and attend a 9v9 celebrity football match.
Traffic restrictions
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a number of traffic restrictions to avoid a repeat of the Kolkata fiasco, that reportedly left Messi enraged.
They had advised commuters to either avoid travelling in the vicinity of the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where traffic will be slow, or to plan their journey in advance.
Traffic diversions and restrictions have been put in place at the Bahadurshah Zafar Marg and JLN Marg.
Heavy vehicles will also be prohibited from the Daryaganj-Bahadurshah Zafar Marg stretch and the area from Guru Nanak Chowk to Asaf Ali Road.
Other areas that they recommend to avoid from 12 PM to 5 PM include JLN Marg, Asaf Ali Road, and Bahadurshah Zafar Marg (near ITO).
The Arun Jaitley Stadium's entry gates have been given access from the Bahadurshah Zafar Marg and JLN Marg.
While free parking is available at designated roads, parking near the stadium is restricted to labelled vehicles only. Parking is also restricted at the Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg, and the Ring Road stretch between Rajghat and the I.P. Flyover. The traffic police have warned that illegally parked cars will be towed away.
Designated pick-up and drop-off points have also been arranged at the MA Medical College, Gate No. 2 on the Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, and at the Rajghat Chowk.
