GeneralJune 24, 2026 · 2:30 AM2 min read

    As Messi chased history, Delhi found its FIFA fan zone

    Late on Monday night, Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg’s residence turned into a screening hall for the FIFA match against Argentina, drawing a full house. With every chair occupied, fans lining the stairs, and the buttery aroma of popcorn filling the room, Austria supporters geared up to celebrate

    By Sara Siddiqui

    As Messi chased history, Delhi found its FIFA fan zone

    Late on Monday night, Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg’s residence turned into a screening hall for the FIFA match against Argentina, drawing a full house.

    With every chair occupied, fans lining the stairs, and the buttery aroma of popcorn filling the room, Austria supporters geared up to celebrate the country’s qualification after 28 years, while Argentina fans waited to watch Lionel Messi chase history.

    And deliver he did.

    With two goals, he became the top scorer in World Cup history, leading Argentina to another victory.

    The win comes just days after he scored a hat-trick against Algeria in their opening match.‘The sport is bringing people together’Attendees dressed in Austrian red, Argentinian blue and white, and even the occasional yellow for Brazil came together to witness an unforgettable game.

    Supporters cheered every attacking move near the goal and waved their flags, while fouls from either team sparked reactions across the room.

    Thaisleem, an attendee, shared, “This is my first time attending a football screening in Delhi, and the energy is great.

    I’m from Kerala, where football screenings are very popular during the World Cup.

    It’s lovely to see supporters of both teams, so it’s bringing people together.”My heart beats for our team, Austria: Austrian AmbassadorSpeaking to us at half-time, Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg said, “We really wanted to use this beautiful residence to stream the World Cup, especially since Austria has qualified after 28 years.

    I must admit I’m a little biased, as I have also served as ambassador to Argentina (laughs).

    But of course, tonight my heart beats for our team, Austria.

    It’s a really difficult match because Argentina, and in particular Messi, is excellent.”In a world that is torn by conflict, sportsmanship is very important.

    Seeing the response today from fans of both teams, this sport is uniting peopleRead the latest Entertainment News and Celebrity updates.

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    Source: Times Of India · General
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    As Messi chased history, Delhi found its FIFA fan zone | The Chronicle.