Arun Jaitley Stadium: A wave of excitement swept through the national capital on Monday as fans turned up in large numbers to witness football legend Lionel Messi at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. From early morning, long queues formed outside the venue, with supporters of all ages eager to catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar, turning the area around the stadium into a sea of blue and white jerseys.
Messi’s presence in Delhi sparked unprecedented enthusiasm among football lovers, many of whom travelled from different parts of the country. Fans carrying banners, posters and flags chanted Messi’s name, creating a carnival-like atmosphere more commonly associated with major cricket fixtures at the venue. For several supporters, seeing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in person was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The event, organised under tight security arrangements, saw authorities deploy additional personnel to manage the massive crowd. Entry gates were opened well ahead of schedule to ensure smooth movement, while traffic diversions were put in place around the stadium complex. Despite the heavy turnout, the arrangements helped maintain order as fans patiently waited for their turn to enter.