Lionel Messi did not return empty-handed from his chaotic tour of India. Received expensive gift from billionaire after visiting Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi
Lionel Messi was gifted a limited edition watch worth £825,000 during his tour of India. Messi, 38, recently visited the country on his ‘GOAT Tour’ which included cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
The match started in confusion, with the Argentina captain appearing at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium for just 20 minutes. Many of the 85,000 fans who paid up to £100 for tickets were disappointed they couldn’t even see Messi.
Their frustration turned to anger, tearing up seats and throwing things onto the pitch. Messi was rushed out of the stadium along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul when security lost control of the situation.
His tour then moved to the Vantara World Wildlife Conservation Center in Jamnagar, owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani in Gujarat, and things got even kinder. Ambani’s son Ananth gifted Messi an ultra-rare Richard Mille 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon ‘Asia Edition’ watch.
The stylish watch, which the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was quick to put on his wrist, costs $1.1 million (£825,000). What makes this even more special is that there are only 12 available worldwide.
read more: Thousands of angry fans storm the pitch, throw bottles and cause chaos during Lionel Messi’s visit to Indiaread more: Lionel Messi warns Argentina World Cup: ‘I hope I can play’
Messi’s tour ended on Tuesday, and he posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Namaste India! What a wonderful visit to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata,” the 38-year-old wrote.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love during the tour. We wish you a bright future for football in India!”
Messi recently finished the season and helped Miami win their first MLS Cup. The forward won 44 trophies during his illustrious career.
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“Three years ago we decided to come to MLS and today we are MLS champions,” Messi said. “Last year we were eliminated early in the league and eliminated in the first round. This year one of our main goals was to win MLS.
“The team has put in a huge effort. It’s been a very long year, a lot of games, and we’ve been up to the task all season. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, and the moment we’ve been waiting for as a team. This is a very beautiful thing for all of us.”
Maimi’s next MLS campaign begins in February, but Messi’s priority in 2026 will be defending Argentina’s World Cup crown in North America next summer. The holders were placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
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