News for 'Lionel Messi'

Messi event organiser in Kolkata sent to 14-day police custody

Messi event organiser in Kolkata sent to 14-day police custody

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The chief organizer of the Lionel Messi football event at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata, where chaos erupted, has been remanded to 14-day police custody. The arrest follows allegations of mismanagement during Messi's appearance, which led to widespread frustration and vandalism among spectators.

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata was a private event organised by a PR agency and the federation was not involved in the "planning or execution" of the event at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

Photos: Lionel Messi golden left foot on sale in Japan

Photos: Lionel Messi golden left foot on sale in Japan

Rediff.com7 Mar 2013

That Lionel Messi is worth his wait in gold was reaffirmed on Wednesday when a pure gold replica of the Argentina and Barcelona star's left foot was unveiled in Tokyo.

Messi dazzles with brace in last home qualifier

Messi dazzles with brace in last home qualifier

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

'Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of.'

Messi event fiasco: Mamata accepts sports minister's resignation

Messi event fiasco: Mamata accepts sports minister's resignation

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accepted Aroop Biswas's resignation as the sports minister in the wake of the controversy over the mismanagement of football icon Lionel Messi's event last week, a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress said.

Messi pays tribute to Pope Francis

Messi pays tribute to Pope Francis

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday aged 88.

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's brief appearance in Kolkata was marred by security breaches and crowd management issues, raising concerns about planning and coordination. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage reveal a chaotic scene with organizers and VIPs crowding the player, leading to his early withdrawal and subsequent protests.

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina in Doha is in doubt after the Qatar Football Association suspended soccer tournaments indefinitely following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missiles fired at the Arabian Peninsula.

Messi's bodyguard banned from touchline

Messi's bodyguard banned from touchline

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'They don't allow me to be on the field anymore.'

Tata Motors nets Lionel Messi as brand ambassador

Tata Motors nets Lionel Messi as brand ambassador

Rediff.com3 Nov 2015

The Argentinian becomes the first brand ambassador of the company in its 70-year history.

Messi and Djokovic's Jersey Swap Breaks the Internet

Messi and Djokovic's Jersey Swap Breaks the Internet

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Football icon Lionel Messi was in the stands at the Miami Open, watching Novak Djokovic cruise past Grigor Dimitrov in the semifinals on Saturday.

THIS Is Messi's FAVOURITE GOAL!

THIS Is Messi's FAVOURITE GOAL!

Rediff.com23 May 2025

'I've scored many goals that might have been even more beautiful and valuable -- also because of their importance -- but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United has always been my favourite.'

'Extraterrestrial' and 'best of all time' Lionel Messi nets 500th Barcelona goal

'Extraterrestrial' and 'best of all time' Lionel Messi nets 500th Barcelona goal

Rediff.com7 Nov 2016

There was no dearth of praise for little magician Lionel Messi who struck his 500th goal for FC Barcelona on Sunday.

Will Messi play in 2026? Legend drops retirement hint

Will Messi play in 2026? Legend drops retirement hint

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

'At my age, it's only logical to think I might not.'

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.

Who is Satadru Dutta? The man behind Messi's India Tour

Who is Satadru Dutta? The man behind Messi's India Tour

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Satadru Dutta's rise was swift and ambitious. But that journey took a dramatic nosedive on Saturday.

South city added to itinerary as Messi tour goes Pan-India!

South city added to itinerary as Messi tour goes Pan-India!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated 'GOAT Tour to India 2025' just got bigger with Hyderabad added as the new southern leg stop to ensure fans in the region are not "deprived" of seeing their idol following the cancellation of Argentina's proposed friendly in Kerala.

SEE: Mamata Didi gets special gift from Messi

SEE: Mamata Didi gets special gift from Messi

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

In 2022, she launched the 'Khela Hobe Divas' with party leaders organising football matches across West Bengal to promote sports.

Two India trips for Messi? Here's what we know

Two India trips for Messi? Here's what we know

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Lionel Messi on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, calling it an "honour" to revisit the "passionate football nation" where he last played 14 years ago.

Messi to play 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Messi to play 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

In a recent interview with El Pais, Suarez was asked whether he and Messi had talked about retirement.

Messi's Inter Miami is smashing TV records at Club World Cup

Messi's Inter Miami is smashing TV records at Club World Cup

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Lionel Messi, arguably the most recognizable player in the Club World Cup, is steering viewership to his underdog team.

PIX: PSG crush Messi's Miami in Club World Cup; Bayern tame Flamengo

PIX: PSG crush Messi's Miami in Club World Cup; Bayern tame Flamengo

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Joao Neves scored twice as Paris St Germain swept aside Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 4-0 at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to secure their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.

Messi ruled out of World Cup qualifiers against Brazil, Uruguay

Messi ruled out of World Cup qualifiers against Brazil, Uruguay

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Lionel Messi was not included in Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni's squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil

PIX: Messi falls just short as Al-Ahly hold Inter Miami

PIX: Messi falls just short as Al-Ahly hold Inter Miami

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Lionel Messi drew vast crowds and showed flashes of his brilliance when his Inter Miami side were held to a goalless draw by African giants Al-Ahly as the revamped Club World Cup got off to a festive start on Saturday.

Messi's India return set to break records

Messi's India return set to break records

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi will return to India in October to play an exhibition match in Kerala.

'Messi's Argentina will visit in Kerala in October-November'

'Messi's Argentina will visit in Kerala in October-November'

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Kerala's sports minister V Abdurahiman stated that there was no doubt about Lionel Messi's planned visit.

Suarez double lifts Messi-less Miami past Tigres

Suarez double lifts Messi-less Miami past Tigres

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Tigres nearly forced extra time when Edgar Lpez's header rattled both posts late on.

Opposition coach saves irate Messi from seeing red

Opposition coach saves irate Messi from seeing red

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'I just tried to move him out of the way, because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous.'

Dhoni vs Messi? Internet Can't Handle This Face-Off!

Dhoni vs Messi? Internet Can't Handle This Face-Off!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Dhoni was seen flaunting his football skills in front of the Argentine icon, sending the internet into a frenzy.

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The match will take place between November 10 and 18, and is likely to be played Kochi.

The GOAT returns! Messi to tour India. Check out the schedule!

The GOAT returns! Messi to tour India. Check out the schedule!

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

The Argentina captain's Kolkata schedule on December 13 will begin at 9am with a meet-and-greet event, followed by the unveiling of a 70-feet statue of him at the Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road.

Confirmed! Messi to visit India in December

Confirmed! Messi to visit India in December

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated visit to India has received its final seal of approval with the Argentine superstar set to kick off his three-city tour in Kolkata on December 12.

Football Focus: Super Cup loss hurts, says Lionel Messi

Football Focus: Super Cup loss hurts, says Lionel Messi

Rediff.com10 Jan 2020

News of all that transpired on and off the football field on Friday

Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Video footage showed Messi approach the coach and grab the back of his neck, causing him to pull away from the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami.

Messi strikes as Inter Miami advance in Champions Cup

Messi strikes as Inter Miami advance in Champions Cup

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami's charge in a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup's first round at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday.

Messi keen to play 2026 World Cup: Argentina coach

Messi keen to play 2026 World Cup: Argentina coach

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Scaloni also spoke about former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria's decision to retire from international football after winning his second Copa America trophy last year.

Old friends, new goals: Messi, Suarez in Uruguayan club venture

Old friends, new goals: Messi, Suarez in Uruguayan club venture

Rediff.com28 May 2025

From their glory days at Barcelona to reuniting at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have now brought their enduring partnership into a new chapter, co-founding Deportivo LSM, a club set to compete in professional Uruguayan football.

Mexican referee seeks Messi's autograph; disciplined!

Mexican referee seeks Messi's autograph; disciplined!

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava found out the hard way that there are consequences for seeking an autograph from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup winner Lionel Messi -- he was hit with a CONCACAF disciplinary sanction.

Why Did Congress Hold 'Vote Chori' Rally?

Why Did Congress Hold 'Vote Chori' Rally?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Glimpses from Sunday's Congress rally at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi against 'Vote Chori'.

Messi Reveals What Made His Rivalry with Ronaldo Epic

Messi Reveals What Made His Rivalry with Ronaldo Epic

Rediff.com17 May 2025

For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo battled like no others. Now, Messi shares what made their rivalry so special.