The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee ruled the reigning Indian Super League champions wrongfully withdrew from the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two following their refusal to travel to Iran for a group-stage match against Sepahan SC and handed one-season ban from AFC competition.
The India skipper said the unprecedented public response to the tour headlined by Lionel Messi alongside Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez, revealed nation's priorities.
The winner of the 2026 World Cup would grab $50 million; runner’s up stand to gain $33 million
This means that some fans will be able to see FIFA World Cup final at a price of just $60 (approximately Rs 5400) rather than the earlier anticipated $4,185.
The foggy conditions also played a role in Messi's charter flight to the capital getting delayed. Scheduled to land at 10.45 am, he touched down at 2.30 pm resulting in him reaching the venue at 4:30pm.
It's hardly a surprise that many die-hard fans travelled long distances, sacrificed sleep, endured pain, and often paid a price normally beyond their means to watch their idol Lionel Messi in the flesh. The Indian Express talked to a few of them to know what the experience meant for them.
The Indian footballer also shared that he almost didn't make it to the event die to an injury but ultimately the fan in him won over and he took part in the memorable evening where the Argentine star also shared the stage with Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar.
Lionel Messi's proposed meeting with the Prime Minister in Delhi also stood cancelled on Monday, with PM Narendra Modi embarking on a four-day visit to three countries.
From the revolutionary leader who arrived in India in 1959 to the two football superstars, India has adored the Argentinians and the story was no different when Messi came calling
Manchester City had offered little, except for Foden testing goalkeeper Dean Henderson from a free-kick, before Haaland met Matheus Nunes' inviting cross with an unstoppable header in the 41st minute from his first sight of goal.
On Sunday, Mumbai got its Messi fill. The World Cup winner stepped onto the red carpet laid out for him at 5:51 pm, and his grand entry got the roof down.
13-year-old Tanishka Kawade found herself with the ball at her feet. What followed was both instinctive and fearless - she nutmegged Luis Suarez.
Sachin Tendulkar said that Lionel Messi's visit to the Wankhede Stadium is a "golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India".
Salah recently returned to Liverpool's squad on Saturday after getting omitted from the Reds Champions League clash against inter Milan.
Lionel Messi is expected to arrive at the Wankhede Stadium shortly after 5.35 pm, with a full house set to get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the global icon live.
In an explosive outburst last weekend, Salah told reporters his relationship with Slot had broken down after being dropped for three straight games and that he felt like “someone doesn’t want me in the club".
Salah, whose future was plunged into doubt following his scathing criticism of Slot and the club a week ago, came on to a standing ovation and loud applause as a 26th-minute substitute after an injury to Gomez.
Cole Palmer, back in action this month after missing most of the season through injury, drilled the ball between goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and the near post after Gusto's pinpoint pass.
Sporting a green colour crew neck half sleeve T-shirt, a black pant and a pair of sport shoes, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul wowed fans in Hyderabad.
Baichung Bhutia said that the intentions behind the visit was good but the organisers should have done a better job at keeping "unwanted VIPs" at bay.
After the vandalism encountered at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where fans also invaded the pitch and tired to burn the sofas for VIPs, the superstar flew to Hyderabad.
As anger continues to simmer in Kolkata after Messi's brief appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that it had nothing to do with the event.
The incident happened after Messi left the field after only 20 minutes after arriving at the stadium at 11.30 AM via car.
Lionel Messi GOAT Tour of India Today Live News Updates: Angry fans, who had paid thousands for tickets, have lashed out at the organisers and the authorities after Messi left Salt Lake Stadium within minutes. Videos show fans vandalising and setting fire to sofas for VIPs.
In a statement on Thursday, the European fan umbrella group said prices for tickets allocated to Participating Member Associations (PMA) – typically distributed via official supporters' clubs or loyalty schemes – had reached "astronomical" levels.





