New Delhi, December 17, 2025:
Football icon Lionel Messi has wrapped up his much-celebrated GOAT India Tour 2025, but his emotional farewell post has left Indian fans deeply touched. While the Argentine superstar met several Bollywood heavyweights during his visit, it was Kareena Kapoor Khan and her sons, Taimur and Jeh, who unexpectedly took center stage in Messi’s official recap video.
The heartfelt Instagram post, captioned “Namaste India!”, quickly went viral, sparking joy, surprise, and admiration across social media.
A Special Moment with Taimur and Jeh
After completing his four-city tour—Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi—Messi shared a professionally edited montage capturing the highlights of his India visit. The video showcased packed stadiums, roaring crowds, and Messi’s warm interactions with young football enthusiasts.
However, fans were quick to notice one standout moment: a candid interaction with Kareena Kapoor Khan and her two sons. In the clip, young Jeh, dressed in Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey, appears shy and starstruck while meeting the football legend. The genuine moment struck an emotional chord with viewers.
Kareena later re-shared Messi’s post on her Instagram Stories, expressing pride and excitement—especially for her elder son Taimur, a well-known football fan.
Why Kareena’s Cameo Created a Buzz
Despite Messi meeting celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, only Kareena and her children featured prominently in the farewell montage.
Fans believe the reason is symbolic. Messi’s India tour focused heavily on inspiring young footballers and promoting the sport’s grassroots growth. Featuring Taimur and Jeh reinforced his message about the future of football in India, rather than celebrity glamour.
In his caption, Messi wrote:
“Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality, and all the expressions of love. I hope football has a bright future in India!”
GOAT India Tour 2025: Key Highlights
Messi’s visit marked a historic moment for Indian sports culture. Major stops included:
- Kolkata: A massive and emotional reception at Salt Lake Stadium
- Mumbai: A star-studded evening at Wankhede Stadium, where Messi met Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri
- New Delhi: The grand finale at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Jay Shah presented Messi with a commemorative cricket bat and Indian jersey
- Jamnagar: A private visit to Anant Ambani’s Vantara before departure
Each city witnessed overwhelming fan enthusiasm, reinforcing Messi’s global influence.
Messi Promises to Return
Before leaving India, Messi addressed fans in Spanish, delivering a promise that thrilled the crowd:
“We carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return.”
The assurance has already fueled speculation about future visits and deeper football collaborations in India.
A ‘Cool Mom’ Moment for Kareena Kapoor Khan
For Kareena Kapoor Khan, whose son Taimur has often spoken about his love for football, this recognition from the G.O.A.T. himself was a special moment. The viral clip has since been hailed online as the ultimate “cool mom win”, blending sports, stardom, and genuine emotion.
