Football icon Lionel Messi found himself at the centre of an unexpected discussion during the final leg of his India tour in New Delhi. At a special event held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Messi was presented with India’s T20 cricket jersey, and a brief moment captured on video showed him closely examining the two stars placed above the team crest.
The jersey was handed over to Messi by ICC chairman Jay Shah as part of a ceremonial exchange that also included a signed cricket bat and tickets for an upcoming T20 World Cup match involving India. The gesture marked the conclusion of Messi’s multi-city tour, which saw him make appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai before arriving in the capital.
As he held the jersey, Messi appeared momentarily puzzled, repeatedly glancing at the two stars stitched above the BCCI logo. The moment quickly caught the attention of fans, with many speculating that his curiosity stemmed from football tradition, where stars typically represent World Cup victories.
In Indian cricket, the two stars on the T20 jersey symbolize the national team’s triumphs in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and 2024. While the symbolism is well understood by cricket followers, it differs from conventions Messi is accustomed to in football, making the design stand out to him.
De paul and Lionel Messi saw 2 stars on the Indian cricket jersey and started wondering when did they win the FIFA World Cup 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/v0153Mvx1Y
— Glen (@GlenBarche) December 17, 2025
Observers also noted Messi seemingly discussing the stars with teammate Rodrigo de Paul, adding to the intrigue surrounding the moment. The contrast between cricket and football traditions highlighted how symbols can carry different meanings across sports and cultures.
The short clip soon went viral on social media, with fans enjoying the light-hearted and relatable reaction from the global superstar. Beyond the curiosity it sparked, the moment served as a reminder of how sport can bridge cultures, bringing together icons and traditions from different games.