Messi's Delhi stop: Football, fans, and a pollution protest
Lionel Messi's much-hyped G.O.A.T. India Tour hit Delhi this weekend, but the excitement at Arun Jaitley Stadium was mixed with concern.
As Chief Minister Rekha Gupta arrived, fans chanted "AQI" to call out the city's severe air pollution—around the time of the event, Delhi's air quality was severe, reaching 498 on Monday.
Still, Messi got a warm welcome from the crowd and met big names like ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
Pollution sparks court action—but fans celebrate Messi
With pollution levels grabbing headlines, the Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on Wednesday to address Delhi's air quality crisis.
Despite all this, Messi kept spirits high by thanking fans in Spanish: "Gracias Delhi! Hasta pronto."
For many young football lovers in the stands, seeing their idol live was still a dream come true—even if the air wasn't exactly fresh.