New Delhi, Dec 16 (V7N) — Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi has expressed admiration for India’s hospitality, thanking organizers and fans in Delhi and promising to return to the country in the future.

Messi made the remarks after participating in a special exhibition match with young footballers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. During the event, he was presented with an Indian football jersey and tickets for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

“I want to thank everyone for the love I received during my short tour in India. It was a really great experience for us,” Messi said. “We will keep this love in our hearts and will definitely come back. Maybe to play a match or for some other event — but I will definitely come to India again.”

Although Messi was initially scheduled to return after completing the Delhi leg of his visit, Indian media reports suggest a change in plans. According to those reports, the Argentine superstar has extended his stay in India at the invitation of the Ambani Group.

Messi is now expected to travel to Bantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Tuesday as part of the extended visit.

END/SMA/AJ