Birthday surprise! Lionel Messi gifts signed Argentina jersey to PM Narendra Modi | Football News

Lionel Messi has sent a signed jersey to PM Narendra Modi on the occasion of his birthday (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Lionel Messi has sent Prime Minister Narendra Modi a signed Argentina jersey from the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, as a gesture ahead of his upcoming visit to India in December. Promoter Satadru Dutta, who is organising the footballers tour, confirmed the same on Wednesday. “When I met him in February to discuss the visit, I had told him that the PM’s 75th birthday is also coming and he said he would send a signed jersey for the Prime Minister,” Dutta told PTI. He added that the memorabilia is expected to be delivered within the next two to three days. Dutta also said he is attempting to arrange a meeting between Messi and Modi during the trip, which will cover Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi between December 13 and 15. The Argentine captain is scheduled to conclude his visit in the national capital with an audience at the Prime Minister’s residence.

Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has sent his signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17 (Image via IANS)

The three-city tour, branded as the “GOAT Tour of India 2025,” will mark Messi’s first appearance in the country since 2011, when Argentina played a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. According to Dutta, Messi had earlier discussed the plan in detail during a 45-minute meeting at his residence in February, after initial talks with his father.

The visit comes at a time when Indian fans are already anticipating Messi’s return with Argentina. Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced last month that the world champions will play a friendly in the state later this year, as part of fixtures confirmed by the Argentina Football Association.