Argentina’s World Cup–winning captain Lionel Messi is set to arrive in Delhi at 10:45 AM, with the national capital bracing for a day marked by heavy security, elite engagements, and high-profile interactions.
Messi and his entourage will stay at The Leela Palace in Chanakyapuri, where an entire floor has been exclusively booked for them.
The Argentine star and his team will occupy the hotel’s Presidential Suites, reportedly costing between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹7 lakh per night.
Sources say hotel staff have been given strict instructions to maintain complete confidentiality regarding Messi’s stay.
The journey from the airport to the hotel is expected to take around 30 minutes, but the security arrangements around The Leela Palace are far from routine.
Following the massive crowds seen during Messi’s earlier visits to India, the area has been secured like a high-security zone, effectively turning the hotel into a fortress.
A closed-door meet-and-greet has been arranged at the hotel for a select group of corporate and VIP guests.
According to sources, access to this exclusive interaction has come at a steep price, with some corporates reportedly paying up to ₹1 crore for the chance to meet the football legend.
During his short stay in Delhi, Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Justice of India, several Members of Parliament, and a carefully selected group of Indian sporting icons, including cricketers as well as Olympic and Paralympic medal winners.
Messi will also visit the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where a football clinic is planned, along with interactions with a select group of Indian cricketers. He will later head to Purana Qila for a special event hosted by Adidas.
At the historic Old Fort, Messi is expected to meet top Indian sports stars such as Rohit Sharma, Paralympic javelin gold medallist Sumit Antil, boxing world champion Nikhat Zareen, and Olympic high jump medallist Nishad Kumar.
