Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Messi Honors Minerva Academy's Historic Youth Team
A special football team from India, called Minerva Academy FC, won three big tournaments in Europe.
This is a huge deal because no other Indian team has ever done this before.
A famous football player, Lionel Messi, came to India to give them a special award.
The team's success is a big moment for Indian football and shows that young players in India can achieve great things.
The team's coach said this will inspire many kids in India to play football and dream big.
Minerva Academy FC's Under-15 team won the Gothia Cup, Dana Cup, and Norway Cup in Europe, a historic first for an Indian team.
The team was honored by Lionel Messi at the G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025 finale in Delhi.
Minerva Academy has been instrumental in developing grassroots football in India over the past decade.
The team's success is seen as a landmark moment for Indian football.
Ranjit Bajaj, Director of Minerva Academy FC, expressed that this recognition will inspire young footballers in India.
- Who
- Minerva Academy FC's Under-15 team and Lionel Messi
- What
- Felicitation of the team for winning three European youth football tournaments
- When
- During the G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025 finale
- Where
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Why
- To honor the team's historic achievement and inspire Indian youth football
- Team
- Minerva Academy FC Under-15
- Achievements
- Gothia Cup, Dana Cup, Norway Cup
- Location
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Event
- G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025
- Honoring Figure
- Lionel Messi
