Lionel Messi given incredibly rare $1.1m gift by Indian billionaire on chaotic 'GOAT Tour'

Lionel Messi's 'GOAT Tour' in India experienced both lavish generosity and disruptive chaos. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner received an ultra-rare RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon 'Asia Edition' watch, valued at approximately £825,000 (about $1.1 million USD), from Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, during a visit to the Vantara Global Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre in Jamnagar.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the Kolkata leg of the tour was marred by significant disruptions. Messi's appearance at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 lasted only 25 minutes before he was escorted off the field. The early exit was prompted by over 100 individuals, including politicians, officials, celebrities, and security personnel, who swarmed the pitch, obstructing the view of the 85,000 fans and disrupting the event's schedule.

The crowd's initial euphoria quickly turned to anger as they realized their expensive tickets offered little more than a fleeting glimpse of the Argentinian superstar. Frustration led to unrest, with some fans ripping out seats and throwing water bottles onto the pitch after Messi's departure. Videos captured fans climbing barriers and jeering officials as the event spiraled out of control. Due to safety concerns, Messi, along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, were rushed from the stadium as organizers lost control.

Following the chaos, the event's prime organizer, Satadru Dutta, was detained by police. Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

According to Lalkamal Bhowmick, a former India international who was present, Messi initially appeared relaxed and happy, signing autographs and greeting people. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. his demeanor changed as the pitch became overcrowded with people taking pictures. Bhowmick told Sports Now that Messi became visibly uncomfortable and irritated as the situation spiraled out of control.

Messi's 'GOAT Tour 2025' included scheduled friendly matches, youth football clinics, a padel tournament, and charitable initiatives across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. While the Kolkata event was problematic, the remainder of the tour reportedly proceeded without incident.

Meanwhile, Guillermo Munoz, a presidential candidate at Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, has publicly expressed his desire to see Messi return to the club where he began his career. He emphasized that Messi's own willingness to return is the primary factor.