Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to receive a rare and memorable birthday gift this year. As he turned 75 this year, one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi, has decided to send him a signed Argentina jersey from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which his team famously won in Qatar. The gesture adds a sporting touch to Modi’s milestone celebration and also builds excitement ahead of Messi’s much-awaited tour of India.
How the Surprise Started
The story of this gift began earlier in February 2025, when Kolkata-based promoter Satadru Dutta, who is organizing Messi’s India tour, met the Argentine star. During their talks, Dutta mentioned that Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday was coming up later in the year.
Messi instantly warmed to the idea of sending Modi something special. He agreed to sign one of Argentina’s World Cup-winning jerseys, turning it into a unique personal gift for the Indian leader.
On February 28, 2025, Dutta met Messi again at his residence, where the matter was discussed in detail during a 45-minute meeting. This meeting finalized the plan of presenting the jersey to Modi.
Messi’s India Tour
The jersey is part of a bigger picture. Messi is set to visit India later this year on the “GOAT Tour of India 2025.” The tour will include stops in Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi, giving fans across the country a chance to see their idol up close. Kolkata, a city with deep football roots, will be the first stop of the tour.
Most importantly, Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on December 15, 2025. This face-to-face meeting will be one of the highlights of his visit and could further strengthen the sporting and cultural links between India and Argentina.
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Messi’s Return After 14 Years
Messi’s last visit to India was in 2011, when Argentina played a friendly match against Venezuela in Kolkata. That match drew huge crowds, and the city still remembers the electric atmosphere of welcoming the world’s best player.
His return after more than a decade has created a wave of excitement among fans, many of whom see this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Messi in person.
Football Fever in India
Adding to the excitement, Argentina’s national football team is also expected to play a friendly match in Kerala in November 2025, as announced by the state’s Sports Minister. For Indian fans, this is a rare opportunity to witness world champions in action.
More Than Just a Gift
Messi’s gesture of sending a signed jersey goes beyond football. It is a mark of respect to a world leader on his milestone birthday, while also symbolizing the growing bond between global sport and India. For fans, the story is another reminder of how football can connect people across borders and cultures.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
