News for 'Lionel Messi'

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Between 9 and 13 December, the Argentina Football Fans Club of Kolkata is turning Aikatan, a cultural hub just a short walk from Salt Lake Stadium, into a full-blown Messi fan zone, drenched in Argentina's blue and white.

PHOTOS: Lionel Messi statue in Buenos Aires broken in two

PHOTOS: Lionel Messi statue in Buenos Aires broken in two

Rediff.com11 Jan 2017

A statue of Lionel Messi in Argentina's capital has been broken in half, with the player's upper body, arms and head removed.

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

MLS begins a transformative season with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and record transfers as North America prepares to host the World Cup.

Ambani Hosts Messi, Suarez at Vantara in Jamnagar

Ambani Hosts Messi, Suarez at Vantara in Jamnagar

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

According to ANI, citing sources, reported that the footballers will stay overnight at the facility, hosted by Anant Ambani, Director at Reliance Industries Limited.

Sunil Chhetri equals Lionel Messi's record

Sunil Chhetri equals Lionel Messi's record

Rediff.com10 Jun 2018

Sunil Chhetri became the joint second highest international goal scorer among active players along with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Lionel Messi eyes owning a club after playing days are done

Will Messi Turn Up for India vs USA T20 WC Clash?

Will Messi Turn Up for India vs USA T20 WC Clash?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's final stop on his G.O.A.T India Tour produced a memorable crossover moment between football and cricket in New Delhi on Monday.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Stating that she was shocked and deeply disturbed by the 'mismanagement' at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced the constitution of a high-level committee to probe the incident.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a high-level probe into the alleged mismanagement at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, after fans were unable to catch a glimpse of the football star.

Can Lionel Messi win the missing crown?

Can Lionel Messi win the missing crown?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2014

After a spectacular haul of trophies with Barcelona, Lionel Messi has a chance to lead Argentina to glory on the World Cup stage and build on his reputation as one of the all-time greats.

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.

After Kolkata chaos, Messi thanks Hyderabad fans

After Kolkata chaos, Messi thanks Hyderabad fans

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Hyderabad delivered the perfect footballing spectacle on Saturday night as Lionel Messi lit up the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, offering fans a sharply contrasting experience to the chaos that had unfolded earlier in Kolkata.

FACTBOX: Ballon d'or winner Lionel Messi

FACTBOX: Ballon d'or winner Lionel Messi

Rediff.com8 Jan 2013

Factbox on Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi who won the Ballon d'Or for world player of the year for an unprecedented fourth successive time on Monday.

Olympian Bindra Urges Introspection After Messi's India Tour

Olympian Bindra Urges Introspection After Messi's India Tour

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

'Icons like Messi inspire us and that inspiration matters deeply. But inspiration must be met with intent.'

Rousing welcome for Lionel Messi in Kolkata

Rousing welcome for Lionel Messi in Kolkata

Rediff.com31 Aug 2011

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata in the wee hours on Wednesday but more than 1500 frenzied fans were left heartbroken as securitymen whisked the Argentine superstar away through the VIP gate.

Telangana CM Reddy 'Ready' for Messi Penalty Shootout

Telangana CM Reddy 'Ready' for Messi Penalty Shootout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Hyderabad stadium decked up for Messi's Magic

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

A newly-married couple in Kolkata revealed that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Messi in Kolkata.

Hyderabad, are you ready for Messi?

Hyderabad, are you ready for Messi?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Messi confirms Hyderabad stop on GOAT Tour

'A dream and...': Chhetri's fan moment with Messi

'A dream and...': Chhetri's fan moment with Messi

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Sunil Chhetri penned an emotional tribute after meeting his childhood idol Lionel Messi during the Argentine legend's GOAT India Tour event at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Messi arrives in Delhi, meet with PM Modi cancelled

Messi arrives in Delhi, meet with PM Modi cancelled

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Messi is currently at the Mumbai airport and is expected to leave shortly for the final set of engagements, which includes an appearance at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium for a ticketed event.

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's much-hyped visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday lasted 22 minutes, just enough to underline everything that is wrong in Indian football and the state administration's mismanagement.

Messi wraps up India tour with aarti at Ambani's Vantara

Messi wraps up India tour with aarti at Ambani's Vantara

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Surez and Rodrigo De Paul, was accorded a traditional welcome, featuring folk music, floral greetings and a ceremonial 'Aarti'.

Messi arrives in Hyderabad for second leg of GOAT India Tour

Messi arrives in Hyderabad for second leg of GOAT India Tour

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Hyderabad for the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025 on Saturday evening, after a chaotic start to the much-anticipated event in Kolkata.

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

MLS enters its 31st season amid World Cup buzz and Lionel Messi's impact, with Don Garber calling it a defining moment for the league's future.

Messi Tour: Bhutia lambasts VIPs for chaos in Kolkata

Messi Tour: Bhutia lambasts VIPs for chaos in Kolkata

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Sports must get priority over political, bureaucratic formalities: Bhutia

Legends meet! SRK and AbRam's fan moment with Messi

Legends meet! SRK and AbRam's fan moment with Messi

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

While most fans were left disappointed at the stadium, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan did get his moment with the football legend.

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Rediff.com5 days ago

World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.

PIX: A Dream Night at Wankhede as Messi Comes Calling

PIX: A Dream Night at Wankhede as Messi Comes Calling

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

For long stretches, the atmosphere felt less Mumbai and more Camp Nou. Chants of 'Barca... Barca' and 'Suarez... Suarez' echoed through the stands as Messi interacted with youngsters, celebrities and former India football captain Sunil Chhetri.

'While Messi draws crowds, Indian football hits standstill'

'While Messi draws crowds, Indian football hits standstill'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Indian men's football team captain Sandesh Jhingan on Wednesday questioned the logic of spending crores on Lionel Messi's high-profile 'GOAT Tour', saying the extravagance has forced him to think if anyone is really concerned about investing in Indian football, which has effectively come to a standstill.

All you wanted to know about Lionel Messi

All you wanted to know about Lionel Messi

Rediff.com10 Jan 2012

Passed the milestone of 200 goals for Barcelona in November 2011 and is fast closing in on the Catalan club's record marksman Cesar Rodriguez, who scored 235.

Messi to meet PM Modi, CJI, Army chief in Delhi

Messi to meet PM Modi, CJI, Army chief in Delhi

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The final day of the GOAT India Tour will also see Messi exchanging greetings with two members of the Indian cricket team at the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium.

Messi extends Inter Miami contract to 2028

Messi extends Inter Miami contract to 2028

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Lionel Messi has extended his contract with MLS side Inter Miami to 2028, the club announced on Thursday.

Delhi awaits Messi as Kohli touches down

Delhi awaits Messi as Kohli touches down

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli were spotted at Delhi airport on Sunday morning after flying in from Mumbai, with the couple's arrival immediately sparking buzz around Lionel Messi's ongoing GOAT India Tour.

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The TMC and BJP have engaged in a blame game following a chaotic Lionel Messi event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which saw spectators storming the field and the main organiser being arrested for alleged mismanagement.

Messi brings smiles to young footballers in Delhi

Messi brings smiles to young footballers in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium as the final leg of his G.O.A.T India Tour got underway in Delhi on Monday.

All you need to know about Lionel Messi

All you need to know about Lionel Messi

Rediff.com27 Jun 2016

A factbox on Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi

Messi Returns To India But Won't Kick A Ball

Messi Returns To India But Won't Kick A Ball

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is not scheduled to play serious football on the 'G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025'.

Messi's Kerala visit in November postponed

Messi's Kerala visit in November postponed

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Messi's last visit with the Argentina team to India was back in 2011, when they faced Venezuela in a friendly match at Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium.

Ronaldo and Portugal chase elusive FIFA World Cup title

Ronaldo and Portugal chase elusive FIFA World Cup title

Rediff.com1 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his 6th FIFA World Cup, headlines the Portugal squad that has a glittering supporting cast that includes Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes.

Meet Messi's Ultimate Superfans In India!

Meet Messi's Ultimate Superfans In India!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Ichhapur tea-seller Shib Shankar Patra is one of two diehard fans handpicked for a special meet-and-greet with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.