BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Lionel Messi was gifted a limited edition wrist watch worth £825,000 by an Indian billionaire during his trip to the country.
The Argentine superstar recently visited India for his ‘GOAT tour’, which he made appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Messi arrived in the South Asian country on Saturday for his four-day trip, which got off to a rocky start after he spent just five minutes at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
With 85,000 fans paying up to $100 for tickets, his early exit ignited furious scenes in the stands.
Bottles and chairs were thrown in violent scenes as supporters invaded the pitch.
Messi was rushed out of the stadium alongside Inter Miami team-mates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Messi, 38, received a warm welcome at the end of his tour, when he was invited to visit the Vantara Global Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre at Jamnagar.
The centre is owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani. His son, Anant Ambani had an expensive gift to offer Messi.
Anant gifted Messi an ultra-rare Richard Mille watch, which is one of just 12 available globally.
The limited edition timepiece is a 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon ‘Asia Edition’ watch, and has a black carbon case and a skeleton dial.
It wasn’t long before tried on the stylish watch on his wrist, having been pictured wearing it after accepting it.
His new accessory came at a fair price too, with the watch valued at $1.1million (£825,000).
Previously, he had been spotted wearing a £700,000 pink Barbie Daytona, as well as a £505,000 Rainbow Daytona.
Messi’s tour of India came to an end on Tuesday, and he shared his gratitude for the experience with a heartfelt Instagram post.
The Inter Miami star wrote: “Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
“Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality, and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India!”
