All things considered, Lionel Messi’s “GOAT Tour” of India has been something of a PR disaster. However, the World Cup winner has also been reminded of the affection he receives from all corners of the world after being gifted an ultra-rare present by an Indian billionaire. The first day of his visit to the South Asian country ended in chaos, with angry fans vandalising the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
The event had been billed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Messi’s Asian fanbase to see the former Barcelona star in person, but proceedings quickly descended into bedlam. Fans reportedly threw objects, ripped up seats, invaded the pitch and damaged the stage after Messi made only a brief 20-minute appearance. He was largely shielded from view by heavy security, with only the wealthiest businessmen and politicians given a genuine chance to meet him. Watch the incident below:
Tickets for his lap of honour and the unveiling of a statue in his likeness reportedly cost around £100, and the class divide has continued along his route through Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. Still, despite the disruption caused during the tour, the experience may ultimately feel worthwhile for the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner after receiving a gift worth an absolute fortune.
Lionel Messi India Tour Related
Lionel Messi's 'GOAT Tour' of India Erupts in Chaos as Angry Fans Vandalise Stadium
The 38-year-old still has three more stops in his "GOAT Tour" across India.
Lionel Messi Receives Ultra-rare Gift in India
Lionel Messi India Tour
During his visit, Mukesh Ambani's son, Anant, gifted Messi an ultra-rare RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition”, priced at approximately £825,000. The watch is said to be a limited edition, with only 12 pieces available globally. The Ambani scion himself was wearing one of the most exclusive Richard Mille watches ever, the Piece Unique RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon. See below:
The millionaire Vantara founder hosted the 38-year-old at his wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre, where Messi's time was marked by guided tours, traditional rituals and close interactions with wildlife.
Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, he was welcomed in grand traditional style with vibrant folk music, a shower of flowers symbolising blessings and purity of intent, and a ceremonial aarti (a significant Hindu and Sikh ritual of worship).
According to India Today, the Argentine great also took part in a Maha Aarti at the temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for world peace and unity in keeping with India's timeless philosophy of harmony with nature.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates against Venezuela.
World Cup - CONMEBOL Qualifiers - Argentina v Venezuela - Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - September 4, 2025 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Rightly regarded as the greatest footballer ever, it's no surprise that, even though Messi is being gifted super expensive items, he himself is also rich through his earnings on and off the pitch. He is the second highest-paid footballer in the world right now, with his £96.7 million total annual earnings bettered only by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi's income breakdown
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Off the pitch, Messi has built an impressive portfolio of partnerships, including deals with Adidas, Apple TV, and Konami, and has more than 500 million Instagram followers. But he's certainly not the kind to take his latest gift for granted.