Former Indian Union Minister Praful Patel revealed in an interview with reporters that Lionel Messi had agreed to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his trip to India and had prepared a jersey for him.
Patel stated that Messi specially brought a jersey for Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday, which he intended to present in person.
Patel: “I made the request and communicated with Messi’s team, hoping he would meet the respected Prime Minister Modi. Messi is shy and reluctant to meet any national political figures... but he agreed after my request.”
Patel: “It would have been a perfect moment. The respected Prime Minister might have talked with him, played football, or Messi could have signed the jersey for him. It is also important for decision-makers to interact with others who can promote the sport. It would not have taken up his public time. We understand that people bought tickets to see him.”
However, the meeting ultimately fell through due to a schedule conflict: Messi’s Delhi stop during his trip clashed with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jordan.