All Indian footballers who met Lionel Messi during GOAT India Tour 2025

Some of India’s football players from the present and the past met the GOAT.

Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 brought the Argentine legend face-to-face with some of India’s most celebrated footballers and rising talents. While Indian footballers have created memorable moments on the field, they had a special moment of their own that highlighted the passionate but developing landscape of Indian football.

During the tour’s stops in Mumbai and New Delhi, a select group of Indian football figures from the present and the past had the opportunity to meet Lionel Messi.

Relive the moments from STAR-STUDDED day 2 of Lionel #Messi's GOAT Tour at Wankhede Stadium in #Mumbai!#GOATTourIndia pic.twitter.com/7DLDQiITXn

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 14, 2025

Minerva Academy FC players

Youth players from Minerva Academy FC, one of India’s notable grassroots football programmes, were involved in the celebrity match and also got a chance to meet the 8-time Ballon D’Or winner during the Delhi leg of the GOAT India Tour 2025. Lionel Messi acknowledged the young Minerva players, reinforcing the tour’s broader emphasis on inspiring the next wave of Indian footballers.

Bhaichung Bhutia

Former India captain and iconic figure in Indian football, Bhaichung Bhutia, met Messi during the Delhi leg of the tour at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Bhutia, often regarded as a pioneer who helped popularise football in India in the late 1990s and 2000s, shared a moment with the global superstar and received recognition alongside other honoured guests at the Delhi celebrations. His presence lent a historic connection between India’s football past and Messi’s global legacy.

Sunil Chhetri

G.O.A.T-ed moment of the night in #Mumbai ! 🐐🇮🇳🇦🇷Lionel #Messi presents a signed jersey to Sunil Chhetri! A crossover like no other! ⚽️🔥🔥Courtesy: DD Sports#GOATTourIndia pic.twitter.com/6JxZBJZ4y2

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 14, 2025

Indian football’s most prolific goal scorer and long-time national team captain, Sunil Chhetri’s interaction with Messi in Mumbai was one of the most heartfelt highlights for Indian fans.

Chhetri attended the tour’s Mumbai event at Wankhede Stadium, where he hugged Messi, and both players exchanged jerseys and respect in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Chhetri later reflected on the meeting as emotionally significant, admitting in interviews that Messi’s artistry had long inspired him.

Aditi Chauhan and Manisha Kalyan

India goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan presents her jersey to Lionel #Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodri de Paul! #GOATtourIndia pic.twitter.com/dtgxuIjIy5

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 15, 2025

At the Delhi event, former India goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan, who enjoyed an international club career with West Ham United, presented Messi with a jersey and participated in on-field celebrations.

Young Indian star Manisha Kalyan, currently featuring abroad and known for breaking new ground in Indian women’s football, was also part of the footballing festivities, representing the next generation of Indian talent.

Bala Devi

India’s leading women’s footballer, Bala Devi, took part in the exhibition elements of the GOAT India Tour during the Mumbai event. As a participant in the football activities and exhibition match formats around Messi’s visit, Bala Devi stood alongside other Indian players, symbolising the growing prominence of women’s football.

Bengaluru FC players

Several Bengaluru FC players were involved in the tour’s exhibition football activities in Mumbai. They took part in 7-a-side formats and interacted with Messi, supporting the celebration of football and showing the presence of professional Indian club talent at the tour’s events.

Along with them Jamshedpur FC’s Jayesh Rane and Ashustosh Mehta were also there

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.