Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri experienced a fanboy moment meeting Lionel Messi in Mumbai, receiving a signed Argentina jersey. Chhetri expressed his joy and gratitude for the encounter, calling Messi's art an antidote to sadness.

A major African national team could be a potential opponent for Lionel Messi’s Argentina just before they face Spain in the Finalissima. With less than six months to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup,

The 2026 World Cup draw is set. Here's a look at where you can catch Lionel Messi and reigning World Cup champion Argentina.

Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul were also presented with Indian team jerseys with their names and numbers on the back. As expected Messi received the No.10 jersey, with No.9 for Suarez and No.7 for Rodrigo De Paul. Messi was also gifted a framed bat by Jay Shah.

“We are just awaiting for him to decide," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said about Lionel Messi and the World Cup.

Rodrigo De Paul is jokingly considered by fans to be Lionel Messi's bodyguard as the midfielder has always been by his side during Argentina duty.

Colourful confetti showered down on Lionel Messi as he ended his whirlwind four-city tour of India with a cameo at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, where a near-capacity crowd shouted themselves hoarse during his half-hour appearance.

Lionel Messi is considered to be "better than ever" as questions continue to be asked of his participation at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine superstar is yet to confirm his involvement, but the door will always be left open for him.