In a rare and memorable crossover between two global sporting giants, ICC Chairman Jay Shah on Sunday presented football icon Lionel Messi with a special Team India No. 10 jersey, a signed cricket bat, and a ticket for the India vs USA clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 during the Argentine legend’s visit to the national capital.
The interaction took place in Delhi, marking the final leg of Messi’s high-profile India visit, which has generated massive excitement among fans across sports. The symbolic gesture highlighted the growing bond between cricket and football, as well as India’s expanding role in hosting and promoting global sporting events.
The customised Indian team jersey bearing the iconic No. 10—a number synonymous with Messi’s footballing legacy—stood out as a tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence beyond the football field. Jay Shah also handed Messi a cricket bat signed by Indian players, underscoring mutual respect between athletes from different sporting worlds.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Messi was presented with a ticket to the India vs USA match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, making him one of the first high-profile global sports figures to receive an official ticket for the marquee tournament. The match is scheduled to be played during the opening phase of the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February to March 2026.
Photographs from the meeting quickly went viral on social media, with fans celebrating the rare moment that brought together two of the most-followed sports on the planet. The event was widely seen as a strategic and symbolic move, reflecting cricket’s efforts to reach new global audiences while embracing cross-sport engagement.
Messi’s India visit has already been described as historic, and the exchange with the ICC chairman added another defining moment—one that blended cricket’s passion with football’s global stardom.
As India prepares to host the T20 World Cup in 2026, the gesture served as a powerful reminder of sport’s universal language—one that transcends boundaries, games, and continents.
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