Claim
A viral photo circulating on social media claims that Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was seen holding a red-and-black, pocket-sized copy of the Indian Constitution during his recent visit to India.
Verdict:
False. The image has been digitally altered.
What Is Going Viral?
A photograph of global football icon Lionel Messi from his recent India visit is being widely shared on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). In the viral image, Messi appears to be holding a red-and-black, coat-pocket-sized copy of the Indian Constitution.
An X user, @Parthian_1 (Parinda), shared the image on December 14 with the caption “Jai Sanvidhan”, prompting users to believe that Messi had publicly displayed the Indian Constitution during his visit.
The post quickly gained traction, with many users praising the footballer and sharing the image with similar claims.
Investigation
Given Messi’s global stature and the symbolic importance of the Indian Constitution, the image raised widespread attention. However, the unusual nature of the claim warranted verification. To verify the authenticity of the viral photo, the FactCheck India desk conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens.
- The search revealed multiple social media posts sharing the same edited image with identical claims.
- The trail also led to an original photograph shared by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on his verified X account.
- The original image was taken during Lionel Messi’s visit to Hyderabad on December 13, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
Key Observation
In the original, unedited photograph, Lionel Messi is waving at fans.
There is no book or document in his hand. A side-by-side comparison confirms that the viral image was manipulated to insert a red-and-black booklet, falsely resembling a pocket edition of the Indian Constitution.
What Factcheck India Found
- The original image is genuine.
- The version showing Messi holding the Indian Constitution is digitally altered.
- There is no evidence that Lionel Messi held, displayed, or referenced the Indian Constitution during his India visit.
Conclusion By Factcheck India
The viral image claiming that Lionel Messi held a copy of the Indian Constitution during his visit to India is fake. The photograph has been edited to mislead viewers, and the original image shows Messi merely waving to fans at a public event in Hyderabad.
To All Lionel Messi Fans
In an era of AI tools and digital manipulation, even high-profile images can be misleading. Always verify viral visuals through reliable sources before sharing them online. Stay Alert & Vigilant With Factcheck India.