Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received a Lionel Messi jersey from Pablo Gonzalez, President of YPF from Argentina. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the India Energy Week in Bengaluru and this is where Gonzalez presented Messi’s jersey to Mr Modi.
Notably, Narendra Modi had congratulated Messi and Co. after Argentina beat France in the summit clash of the FIFA World Cup 2023. " This will be remembered as one of the most thrilling Football matches! Congrats to Argentina on becoming #FIFAWorldCup Champions! They’ve played brilliantly through the tournament. Millions of Indian fans of Argentina and Messi rejoice in the magnificent victory!" Modi had tweeted.
Messi ended his international trophy drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and then went on to win back-to-back major titles in Finalissima and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, thus completing football.
The Argentine said that in March, he’s going to take all the World Cup Final souvenirs to his home in Barcelona as he has his ‘things and memories’ there. The 35-year has also expressed his desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well.
"Because of age it'll be difficult to make 2026," Messi, 35, had told Diario Ole, a sports newspaper in Argentina. "I love playing football and while I feel like I'm in good shape and enjoying this, I'm going to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going."