Lionel Messi’s Delhi visit: Major traffic disruption expected today; check roads to avoid

New Delhi is set for major traffic disruptions and an unprecedented security operation on Monday as global football superstar Lionel Messi arrives for the final leg of his much-publicised GOAT India Tour.

The Argentine icon is scheduled to appear at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in central Delhi, prompting authorities to implement extensive traffic diversions and deploy a significant security apparatus, including aerial drones and facial recognition technology, to manage the anticipated crowds.

The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to avoid several key arteries in the heart of the capital between noon and 5 pm. The stretches expected to see severe congestion include JLN Marg from Rajghat to Delhi Gate, Asaf Ali Road from Turkman Gate to Delhi Gate and Bahadurshah Zafar Marg from Delhi Gate to ITO Chowk. Heavy vehicles will be prohibited on roads from Daryaganj to Bahadurshah Zafar Marg and from Guru Nanak Chowk to Asaf Ali Road.

The security blueprint reportedly involves deploying approximately 2,500 police personnel in and around the stadium to monitor crowds and manage entry points. Nearly 70 traffic police officers will be stationed in the vicinity.

According to details shared by the police, advanced surveillance measures will be a key feature of the security plan. This includes the deployment of two drones for aerial monitoring and the installation of more than 200 CCTV cameras, most equipped with video analytics for real-time tracking. Vans fitted with facial recognition systems will also be used.

For spectators attending the event, entry to the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be gate-wise. Gates 1 to 8 will be accessed from the southern side of Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, gates 10 to 15 from JLN Marg near the Ambedkar Stadium Bus Terminal and gates 16 to 18 from Bahadurshah Zafar Marg near a petrol pump.

Parking near the stadium will be strictly regulated. Free public parking has been designated at Mata Sundari Road, Rajghat Power House Road and Velodrome Road. Only vehicles with official labels will be permitted to park near the venue, with entry to labelled parking via the Vikram Nagar cut on Bahadurshah Zafar Marg near Shahidi Park.

Authorities have warned that any vehicles parked illegally on Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg or Ring Road will be towed and the owners prosecuted.

App-based taxi pick-up and drop-off points have been established at Maulana Azad Medical College (Gate No. 2 on BSZ Marg) and Rajghat Chowk to streamline movement.

Messi’s GOAT India Tour, which began on December 13 in Kolkata, marks his return to the country after 14 years. The Delhi leg concludes his three-day, multi-city tour, which also included stops in Hyderabad and Mumbai, featuring public appearances and celebrity football exhibitions.