Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has sent his signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey as a gift for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17. The gesture comes just months before Messi’s much-anticipated India tour in December, marking his first visit to New Delhi and Mumbai.

According to sports entrepreneur Satadru Dutta, who is promoting the tour, Messi has conveyed his best wishes to Indian fans and expressed excitement about meeting them during his three-city visit. The Argentine icon will arrive in Kolkata on December 13, perform events at the Salt Lake Stadium, head to Mumbai on December 14 for a programme at Wankhede Stadium, and wrap up his visit in New Delhi on December 15, where a meeting with PM Modi is likely.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also confirmed that the world champions are scheduled to play a friendly match in India this November during the FIFA international window. Kerala has been identified as the preferred venue, with the Kerala Football Association (KFA) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) working out final logistics. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman stated that if plans materialize, Messi could lead the side in this high-profile fixture.

If Messi participates in the Kerala friendly as expected, it will mark his second visit to India in just two months, offering fans across the country a rare opportunity to witness the World Cup-winning captain in action and presence. His December tour and possible November friendly are set to create historic moments for Indian football enthusiasts.