Shillong, June 13: As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway in North America, football enthusiasts in Meghalaya have already kicked off the celebrations. Huge number of Lionel Messi fans gathered in Shillong on Saturday morning for a bike rally honouring the Argentine football legend and defending champions Argentina.
Beneath Shillong’s mist-covered hills and amid the monsoon drizzle, chants of “Messi, Messi” echoed through the city streets as supporters rode from Golflink to Malki Ground, creating a vibrant spectacle of blue-and-white flags, jerseys and football passion.
For a few moments, it felt as though football’s biggest stage had arrived in the heart of Meghalaya. While there was no match being played, Shillong transformed into a giant pre-match arena, reflecting the deep love for football that has long defined the state’s sporting culture.
Organisers said the rally was not only a tribute to Messi’s remarkable career but also aimed at inspiring local youth to pursue their sporting dreams through dedication and hard work. Speaking to media persons, Messi Fan Club president Batskhemlang Lyngkhoi said the bike rally was organised as a tribute to Lionel Messi, with many supporters believing that the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be the legendary Argentine captain’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
“We know this could be Messi’s last World Cup, and we wanted to honour the greatest player of all time. Through this bike rally, we also wanted to celebrate his humility and achievements, while showcasing the unity among our club members and the youth of India. India is known for its unity in diversity, and through this event we want to show the world that Indian football fans stand with Messi and Argentina,” Lyngkhoi said.
With the World Cup now in full swing, excitement across Meghalaya is reaching fever pitch. Fans are eagerly following Argentina’s campaign, hoping that Messi can deliver one final magical performance on football’s grandest stage in what is widely expected to be his last World Cup appearance.
