NEW DELHI: Meeting Argentine football legend Lionel Messi during his G.O.A.T. India Tour was “a dream and duty” for former India striker Sunil Chhetri, who almost missed the event due to an injury.

Chhetri, recently retired as the fourth highest scorer in international football history with 95 goals, met Messi on Sunday during the World Cup-winning captain’s third leg in Mumbai. Messi ranks second on the list with 115 goals.

From Chaos to Euphoria: Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour ends in unforgettable glory

The former India captain described Messi as a player whose “art” on the football field served as an “antidote” during his low moments.

"To be able to express my gratitude to @leomessi in person for everything that he has done for our sport, felt like both - a dream and a duty," Chhetri wrote on Instagram.


iInjury struggle couldn’t keep him away

"I’ve been nursing an injury that’s restricted me to a hobble and needless to say, I don’t like being around even myself when I’m spending more time on the physios table than the pitch.

"I almost didn’t make the trip to Mumbai, till the fan in me rebelled and went anyway. Turned out, meeting the man who makes me very happy, and whose art is my antidote for all the times I am sad, was exactly what I needed."

Messi spent time talking with Chhetri and even presented him with his Argentina jersey.

Fan support and other stars

The Indian football star was also cheered on by fans at Wankhede Stadium, with chants of “Chhetri… Chhetri” ringing out during the exhibition match and other activities he participated in.

Chhetri expressed delight at meeting Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, who accompanied Messi to India.

"It was lovely to meet another World Cup winner in Rodrigo De Paul, and then there was the child-like excitement to share the frame with arguably the most complete No.9 of our generation - Luis Suarez.

"And Mumbai, you absolute beauty, thank you for making me feel so loved. I do not take it for granted."

Overcoming doubts to meet his idol

Chhetri admitted he wrestled with the decision to travel to Mumbai due to his injury.

"The build-up to Saturday was filled with little fights, and in a rare win, Sunil Chhetri the fan beat Sunil Chhetri the pro, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

"At the end of it, I guess, both the Chhetri’s turned up on Saturday and the joy was twice as much."

(With PTI Inputs)