Will Virat Kohli meet Lionel Messi in New Delhi?

Argentine football star will reach India's capital city on Monday

Last updated: December 14, 2025 | 14:20

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

1 MIN READ

Will Virat Kohli meet Lionel Messi in New Delhi?

Dubai: Indian cricket star Virat Kohli arrived at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday with his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, sparking widespread speculation online about a possible meeting with Argentine football legend Lionel Messi. Although there has been no official confirmation, social media has been buzzing with talk of a potential interaction once Messi reaches Delhi on Monday. The World Cup–winning footballer is currently in Mumbai as part of his India tour.

Much of the online chatter has been fuelled by fans’ excitement over Messi’s visit to India and their eagerness to connect the dots, despite the absence of any statement from either side. The mere possibility of Kohli and Messi being in the same city has quickly become one of the most talked-about topics. With both athletes commanding massive fan bases in India, even the smallest interaction would instantly turn into a major pop culture moment.

In Mumbai, Messi will be attending the Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India, followed by a stunning event at the Wankhede Stadium. The football legend could also meet some of India's greatest sporting icons. Later, Messi, along with his teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, will walk the ramp in a charity fashion show, with Bollywood A-listers. A 7v7 celebrity football match is also scheduled, featuring Bollywood stars and cricket icons.

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.