La pulga

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Delhi is in the grip of full-blown football frenzy as Lionel Messi – 'La Pulga' – the little magician with the giant footprint prepares to land in the national capital on December 15. What began as buzz has escalated into electricity, with fans counting down the moments until the Argentine legend walks into the Arun Jaitley Stadium. One thing is certain: Delhi isn’t just welcoming a star; it’s getting ready to be utterly 'Messi-merised'.

Across the city, football has spilled onto the streets. Argentina jerseys dominate marketplaces, graffiti artists are splashing Messi tributes across walls, and neighbourhood gullies echo with kids trying to bend the ball like La Pulga.

“For us, this is bigger than a festival,” said a fan from Karol Bagh who has been collecting Messi posters since he was 6. “Messi coming to Delhi feels unreal. I haven’t slept properly for a week.”