Football legend Lionel Messi concluded a whirlwind tour of India with an astonishingly generous gift: a limited edition watch valued at a staggering £825,000.
Tour Begins in Disappointment and Chaos
The Argentina captain's 'GOAT tour' kicked off in Kolkata, but the event at the Salt Lake Stadium descended into disarray. Messi's appearance lasted a mere 20 minutes, leaving many of the 85,000 fans – some of whom paid up to £100 for tickets – unable to even see their idol.
Frustration quickly turned to anger, with supporters ripping out seats and throwing objects onto the pitch. As security lost control, Messi was swiftly escorted from the stadium alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
A Lavish Gift from India's Elite
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when the tour moved to the Vantara Global Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This facility is owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
There, Ambani's son, Anant, presented the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner with an ultra-rare Richard Mille 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon 'Asia Edition' watch. Messi promptly placed the luxurious timepiece on his wrist.
Only 12 of these watches exist globally, making the gift exceptionally exclusive. The tour also included stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi before concluding.
Messi's Heartfelt Farewell and Future Focus
As his tour ended on Tuesday, Messi took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message. "Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata," the 38-year-old wrote, thanking the country for its "warm welcome" and "expressions of love."
He added his hope for a "bright future" for football in India. Messi's season with Inter Miami recently culminated in a historic MLS Cup victory, marking the 44th trophy of his illustrious career.
Looking ahead, his top priority for 2026 will be defending Argentina's World Cup crown in North America. The holders have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
