Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated visit to Delhi as part of his 'GOAT India Tour' faced a brief disruption at the Arun Jaitley Stadium after a group of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid fans clashed with the crowd. Police were forced to intervene and escort the group out of the venue to prevent the situation from escalating.
Visuals from the stadium indicate that the tension began when the group of fans started repeatedly performing Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration in the stands. While the gesture is common in football circles, the specific timing and location provoked the Messi-centric crowd, leading to an increasingly charged environment.
Reports suggest that the chanting created visible discomfort among nearby spectators, raising concerns among security personnel about potential verbal or physical altercations.
Acting swiftly to maintain order, local police and security teams removed the Ronaldo supporters from the stands. Authorities reportedly took the step to ensure the safety of all attendees and to prevent any untoward incidents between the rival fanbases.
Following the removal of the disruptive group, the situation was brought under control, and the event continued without further interruptions. Officials later reiterated the importance of maintaining respect during events meant to celebrate football legends.
Despite the brief standoff, the event was largely defined by the massive turnout for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The stadium, usually associated with cricket, was filled with supporters waving Argentina jerseys and banners.
Messi acknowledged the reception with waves and smiles, engaging with a crowd that had waited hours to see him. For the majority in attendance, the disruption did little to dampen the experience of seeing the football icon in the capital.