Sunil Chhetri Shares Heartwarming Encounter with Messi During GOAT Tour
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri recently shared a heartwarming encounter with Lionel Messi during the GOAT Tour that took place on December 14. Despite dealing with an injury, Chhetri made sure to attend the event as a fan to meet the Argentine superstar.
The GOAT Tour, featuring Messi along with Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, made stops in four cities across India. From the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata to the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, the trio captivated fans with their presence. The tour culminated in a visit to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where Chhetri had the chance to meet his idol, Messi.
Chhetri, who is the captain of the Indian national team, was seen engaging in conversation with Messi and even received an Argentina shirt from the football legend. Taking to Instagram, Chhetri shared a picture of their meeting and expressed his joy at the experience. Despite nursing an injury that limited his mobility, Chhetri was grateful for the opportunity to meet the player who inspires him both on and off the pitch.
In his Instagram post, Chhetri reflected on the significance of meeting Messi in person and also expressed his admiration for Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, who were also part of the tour. He thanked the city of Mumbai for the warm reception and emphasized the impact of meeting his football idols.
The GOAT Tour concluded with a final visit to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, marking the end of a memorable journey for Messi, Suarez, and De Paul.
Chhetri’s encounter with Messi highlighted the immense respect and admiration he holds for the Argentine superstar. Despite the ongoing debate between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest footballer of all time, Chhetri has always looked up to Ronaldo for his work ethic and discipline. However, he acknowledges the magic and uniqueness that Messi brings to the game, making it a challenge to replicate his style of play.
As the fourth-highest goalscorer in men’s international football, Chhetri’s perspective on the GOAT debate adds a new layer of insight to the ongoing discussion. With Ronaldo, Messi, and Ali Daei leading the pack, Chhetri’s admiration for both Messi and Ronaldo showcases the diversity of talent in the world of football.
In conclusion, Sunil Chhetri’s encounter with Lionel Messi during the GOAT Tour exemplifies the mutual respect and admiration shared between footballing icons. Despite their differences in playing style, Chhetri’s appreciation for both Messi and Ronaldo underscores the impact these players have had on the sport. As Chhetri continues to inspire a new generation of footballers in India, his meeting with Messi serves as a reminder of the universal language of football that transcends borders and boundaries.
