US EditionQuicksplained: From PM Modi to Messi, Big Names Whose Flights Were Delayed by Delhi Smog
Dense fog delayed Messi's arrival by nearly four hours, causing cancellation of his planned meeting with Prime Minister Modi and rescheduling of key events, officials said.
- On Monday, December 15, Lionel Messi's arrival in New Delhi was delayed, cancelling his planned meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shifting arrival estimates from late morning to afternoon.
- Fog and the PM's morning trip disrupted the VVIP timetable as Lionel Messi left Mumbai late, delaying his Delhi flight and prompting organisers to cancel the planned meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- With the PM meeting off, Messi will still do a hotel meet‑and‑greet and stadium events including a football clinic from 3.55 pm to 4.15 pm, with spectators expected seated by 2:30 PM.
- Fans still thronged the venues despite schedule changes, witnessing Messi with Sachin Tendulkar, but with the PM meeting off, celebrity attendance became uncertain and Virat Kohli's participation remains unclear.
- Despite a mixed start, the four‑city tour improved in Hyderabad and Mumbai, where Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister, announced Project Mahadeva for 60 promising footballers while organisers warned of Delhi AQI.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Quicksplained: From PM Modi to Messi, big names whose flights were delayed by Delhi smog
Delhi has yet again fallen victim to dense smog, with several flights being cancelled and delayed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Argentina football star Lionel Messi and the new BJP president were among those whose flights were affected. A meeting between PM Modi and Messi slated for today (December 15) was also cancelled
Messi Mesmerises Fans in Delhi; Fog Delay Leads to Cancellation of Meet With PM
Lionel Messi's arrival in Delhi for the final leg of his GOAT India Tour was delayed on 15 December 2025 due to adverse weather conditions. His flight from Mumbai was held up by dense fog, which severely impacted operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, resulting in the cancellation of 61 flights and the diversion of five others. Messi was originally scheduled to land at 10:45 am but arrived at approximately 2:30 pm instead, leading to…
After Fog Delay, Lionel Messi Arrives In Delhi For Final Leg Of GOAT India Tour
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, who was in Mumbai for the second day of his three-day whirlwind trip to India, was to land in the national capital around 10:45am but his charter flight was held up due to foggy conditions in Delhi
Lionel Messi Reaches New Delhi, Football Icon's Final Pit Stop for 'GOAT India Tour'
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Argentine legend and FIFA World Cup-winning player Lionel Messi reached New Delhi on Monday, his final stop for his ongoing "GOAT India Tour" 2025. The legendary footballer was brought to New Delhi with a high level of security after a successful event in Mumbai on December 14. Sports News | Lionel Messi Reaches New Delhi, Football Icon's Final Pit Stop for 'GOAT India Tour'.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
