New Delhi, September 17 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday celebrations took an unexpected international turn when football icon Lionel Messi sent a special gift to commemorate the occasion. The gesture from the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner caught the attention of global media, highlighting the growing bond between sports personalities and world leaders.
According to officials close to the Prime Minister’s Office, Messi’s birthday gift was a personally signed jersey carrying a heartfelt message of admiration and best wishes for Modi’s milestone year. The gesture, though symbolic, underscored Messi’s recognition of Modi’s global leadership status and India’s growing influence in international affairs.
While details of the private exchange have not been fully disclosed, sources confirmed that the Argentine legend expressed appreciation for India’s cultural legacy and Modi’s contributions as a global statesman. For the Prime Minister, who has often spoken about sports as a unifying force across nations, the gift was both personal and diplomatic.
Political analysts note that this rare gesture from Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, reflects the influence Modi commands beyond politics. International leaders, celebrities, and influencers have consistently used such gestures to extend goodwill, acknowledging India’s rising global role.
Social media platforms quickly picked up the news, with hashtags combining Messi and Modi trending across Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook. Fans of both personalities celebrated the symbolic bond between football and diplomacy, sharing edited visuals of Messi and Modi together.
This moment also adds to a broader pattern of international sports icons acknowledging India’s leadership. Earlier, several top athletes and cultural figures had extended greetings to Modi on his birthdays, but Messi’s involvement has raised the celebration to a new level of global visibility.
For Modi, who turned 75 today, the message carries resonance not just as a personal token but also as an emblem of India’s growing soft power on the world stage. More details about an official acknowledgement from the Prime Minister are expected in the coming days.
Lionel Messi Set For Double India Visit
For those unversed, the tour will see Messi visit India, with the tour set to start in Kolkata on December 13. Later, the Argentine will head to Delhi and Mumbai on the following two days with events planned at the Arun Jaitley and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, the Messi-led Argentina team are set to play an international friendly in India during the month of November. The game will take place in Kerala, but the host city and opponent are yet to be announced.
If Messi makes the trip to India, it will mark only the second instance of him playing on Indian soil. The sole instance happened in 2011 when the three-time world champions played Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Earlier this month, Messi was evidently emotional as he played what is likely to be his final competitive game on Argentine soil. While a retirement after the FIFA World Cup 2026 is likely, the Barcelona legend cast doubt on playing the mega tournament itself.
